Mahmoud Khalil Arrested – Can His Green Card Be Revoked?
Mahmoud Khalil is a Columbia University graduate who was running some of the Palestinian protests at Columbia. Khalil was arrested by ICE agents on March 8, 2025. The Trump administration is now pushing to revoke his green card and deport him. Khalil has been accused of supporting Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, through his protests on campus.
Who Is Mahmoud Khalil?
Khalil emerged as a leading voice in Columbia University’s pro-Palestinian movement. He helped organize a large protest encampment and negotiated with school officials. While his supporters claim he was advocating for peace, his critics point to his alleged praise of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, both designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government. The Trump administration has reiterated on this, calling him a national security threat.
Mahmoud Khalil Columbia Arrest
Federal agents stormed Khalil’s university-owned apartment in New York. Initially, they claimed he was in the U.S. on a student visa. But when they realized he held a green card, they changed tactics. Now, the administration is working to strip him of his legal residency and deport him.
President Trump has been vocal about his stance. He called U.S. universities a breeding ground for “pro-terrorist agitators” and vowed to remove anyone supporting Hamas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the government is revoking visas and green cards of Hamas supporters across the country.
Can a Green Card Be Revoked?
Yes, but it’s not automatic. The U.S. government can revoke a green card for crimes, fraud, or national security threats. However, Khalil has not been formally charged with a crime at this point. His lawyer argues this is a politically motivated move designed to silence pro-Palestinian voices. The case could test the legal limits of deporting permanent residents for protesting and being vocal supporters of terrorist organizations.
Mahmoud Khalil Columbia Wife Pregnant
Khalil’s personal life adds another layer to the controversy. His wife, a U.S. citizen, is eight months pregnant. If he is deported, he could be separated from his family and miss the birth of his child. Supporters argue that removing him would be an unjust attack on free speech and due process.
Columbia University Protests Mahmoud Khalil
Protests are already growing in New York. Activists say Khalil’s arrest is part of a larger crackdown on student movements. Columbia University, which recently lost $400 million in federal funding over Trump’s claims of campus antisemitism, has remained silent on the case.
Khalil remains in ICE custody. His case could set a precedent for how the government handles protestors with green cards. Will Trump succeed in deporting him? Or will legal battles keep him in the U.S.? The outcome could have major implications for political activism and immigration law.