US judge allows Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil to be deported | BBC News

Trump administration can deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate detained last month over his role in pro-Palestinian protests, a US judge has ruled.

Mr Khalil, a permanent legal US resident, has not been charged with a crime - in a letter written from the facility, he has said his "arrest was a direct consequence" of speaking out for Palestinian rights.

The government has cited a Cold War-era immigration law, declaring that his presence in the US was adverse to American foreign policy interests.

The activist has been held at a Louisiana detention centre since 8 March, when immigration officers told him he was being deported for taking part in protests against the war in Gaza.

For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news

#MahmoudKhalil #US #ColumbiaUniversity #BBCNews