Judge allows Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil's deportation

Mahmoud Khalil was arrested in March for his role in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.

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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 immigration court's ruling does not mean Mr Khalil would be immediately removed from the country. The judge gave his lawyers until 23 April to appeal against the order.

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.