An immigration judge has ordered Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian man from Dearborn, Michigan, deported to Jordan. Khalil, 25, has been in US custody since March 2023 due to a prior conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a nonimmigrant visa holder. While he initially expressed fear of returning to Jordan, claiming potential danger due to his atheism, the judge denied his request for asylum.
The judge based the decision on evidence presented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing that Khalil had traveled to Jordan without incident multiple times, including after becoming an atheist. DHS also highlighted his Jordanian passport renewals and family connections in Jordan. Khalil’s attorney argued that conditions in Jordan had worsened since his last visit, particularly regarding religious freedom.
The case has drawn attention due to the complexities of immigration law and the challenges faced by individuals seeking asylum based on religious persecution. While Khalil’s deportation order has been issued, his attorney has indicated plans to appeal the decision. The outcome of that appeal will determine whether he will be deported to Jordan or allowed to remain in the United States.
find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/immigration-judge-orders-mahmoud-khalil-210714430.html