A federal appeals court has granted former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil additional time to contest the Trump administration's attempts to deport him. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, was detained by immigration authorities in 2024 due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University during the spring of that year.
Background of the Case
The U.S. government argued that Khalil's presence in the country was detrimental to American foreign policy interests. Following his detention, Khalil spent several months in custody before a federal judge in New Jersey ordered his release, ruling that the government's actions were unconstitutional. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later determined that the New Jersey judge lacked the authority to intervene in Khalil's case and mandated that the matter proceed through immigration courts.
Appeals Court Decision
On Tuesday, the 3rd Circuit announced it would put its ruling on hold while Khalil appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. Brett Max Kaufman, senior counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents Khalil, expressed gratitude for the decision. "We look forward to asking the Supreme Court to make clear that the government cannot use the threat of detention and deportation to silence dissent," Kaufman stated.
Next Steps
An appeal to the Supreme Court is anticipated in the coming months, possibly by late summer. Meanwhile, Khalil's legal team has also argued his case in immigration courts, so far without success. He has a separate appeal of those proceedings pending before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana.
The 3rd Circuit's stay provides Khalil with additional protection against potential re-arrest and deportation while his other appeals are ongoing. The court did not specify a reason for its decision but noted that if no timely petition is filed, parties must notify the court in writing.
