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2w ago

U.S. Confirms Plan to Deport Harvard Researcher to Russia Despite Legal Challenges

Kseniia Petrova, detained for undeclared frog embryos, faces deportation as a Vermont judge questions CBP’s visa revocation authority.

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Overview

  • The Justice Department confirmed plans to deport Harvard researcher Kseniia Petrova to Russia, despite her fears of persecution due to past political activism.
  • Petrova was detained in February at Boston Logan Airport after Customs and Border Protection officers found undeclared non-toxic frog embryos in her luggage.
  • During a habeas hearing on May 14, U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss questioned the legal authority of CBP to revoke Petrova’s visa, casting doubt on the DOJ’s removal case.
  • Petrova remains in detention in Louisiana, with a bail hearing scheduled for May 28 and asylum proceedings ongoing.
  • Her detention has disrupted critical cancer-detection research at Harvard, drawing criticism from legal advocates and academic peers over the handling of her case.