The deportation of Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese national and assistant professor of medicine at Brown University, has ignited a legal controversy following her removal from the United States despite holding a valid work visa and a federal court order blocking her deportation.
Dr. Alawieh, 34, was detained on Thursday at Boston’s Logan International Airport upon returning from a family visit to Lebanon. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducted a search of her electronic devices and, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ), discovered “sympathetic photos and videos” of Hezbollah leaders. She acknowledged attending a funeral for a Hezbollah leader for religious reasons. Based on these findings, CBP officers deemed her intentions in the U.S. unclear and proceeded with her deportation.
Prior to her removal, a federal court order issued by U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin mandated that federal authorities provide 48 hours’ notice before deporting Dr. Alawieh. However, CBP officials proceeded with the deportation without adhering to this directive, leading to allegations of defiance against the court’s order.
The deportation has raised concerns within the academic community and among civil rights advocates. Brown University officials have expressed alarm over the incident, emphasizing Dr. Alawieh’s valid H-1B visa and her scheduled commencement as an assistant professor. The university is seeking clarification from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the circumstances of her deportation.
This incident occurs amid a broader context of intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. In the first 50 days of President Trump’s tenure, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made 32,809 enforcement arrests, nearly matching the total number of such arrests in the entire fiscal year 2024. Approximately 75% of these arrests involve individuals with criminal charges or convictions.
The legal proceedings concerning Dr. Alawieh’s deportation are ongoing. Judge Sorokin has ordered federal authorities to provide a detailed explanation of the actions taken and to address allegations of non-compliance with the court’s order. The government has until March 24 to respond, with Dr. Alawieh’s legal team granted until March 31 to file their reply.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in the current immigration enforcement landscape, particularly concerning individuals with legal status and professional affiliations in the United States.
Sources:
- Associated Press: apnews.com
- Politico: politico.com
- The Guardian: theguardian.com
- Department of Homeland Security: dhs.gov
- The Independent: the-independent.com
