Brown Univ. Professor Deported to Lebanon Despite Holding Valid U.S. Visa/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese kidney transplant specialist set to start a faculty position at Brown University, was deported from Boston Logan Airport over the weekend despite holding a valid U.S. visa. A federal judge had ordered authorities to halt her removal, but customs officials claimed they were not informed in time. Her sudden deportation follows other visa-related removals under Trump’s intensified immigration policies. Brown University faculty and U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo have condemned the action, and a rally in support of Alawieh is planned at the Rhode Island Statehouse.
Brown University Professor Deported Despite Valid Visa: Quick Looks
- Who Was Deported? Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese doctor and incoming Brown University professor.
- Why Was She Removed? U.S. authorities detained and deported her without explanation, despite her valid work visa.
- Court Order Ignored? A federal judge ordered a hearing to halt her deportation, but customs officials claim they didn’t receive notice in time.
- Political and Academic Outrage: Brown University faculty and Rep. Gabe Amo demand answers from DHS.
- Larger Trend: Alawieh’s case follows recent high-profile visa-related deportations, including a Columbia student activist and migrants sent to El Salvador despite a court ruling.
- Public Response: A rally at the Rhode Island Statehouse is planned in support of Alawieh.
Brown University Professor Deported Despite Court Order and Valid Visa
The sudden deportation of Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese kidney transplant specialist and incoming Brown University assistant professor, has sparked outrage among academics and lawmakers after authorities removed her from the U.S. without explanation.
The Deportation Timeline
- She was detained for at least 36 hours and informed that she would be sent back to Lebanon.
- Her legal team filed an emergency lawsuit, arguing that her removal violated immigration laws and due process.
- On Friday, U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin issued a temporary order, requiring officials to halt the deportation and bring her to court for a hearing Monday.
- By Saturday, Alawieh had already been deported.
Did U.S. Officials Ignore a Court Order?
Alawieh’s cousin filed a legal complaint Saturday, alleging that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials “willfully” disobeyed the judge’s order by deporting her before the scheduled hearing.
However, government lawyers argued Monday that CBP officers at Boston Logan Airport did not receive the judge’s ruling until after she had already left the country.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has asked the court to dismiss the case, claiming the deportation had already been completed before officials were notified.
Brown University and Lawmakers Demand Answers
Alawieh had previously lived and worked in Rhode Island and had completed fellowships and residencies at three U.S. universities.
- Brown University confirmed her employment, stating she held a clinical appointment at Brown Medicine, an affiliated nonprofit medical group.
- George Bayliss, an associate professor at Brown, condemned the deportation, calling Alawieh a “valued colleague” and demanding her return to Rhode Island.
- U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo (D-RI) has pledged to investigate, stating he is committed to getting answers from DHS and immigration officials.
A Pattern of High-Profile Deportations
- Columbia University Student Arrested: A student leader of Gaza war protests was detained and had their visa revoked.
- Mass Deportations to El Salvador: The Trump administration transferred hundreds of migrants to El Salvador despite a federal judge’s order blocking their removal.
These actions suggest a broader pattern of aggressive immigration enforcement, even against individuals with legal status.
What Happens Next?
Key Questions Moving Forward
- Did CBP knowingly deport Alawieh despite a court order?
- Will DHS allow her to return to the U.S.?
- Is this part of a broader trend of legal visa holders facing sudden deportation?
With political pressure mounting, Alawieh’s case could become a major flashpoint in Trump’s immigration policies—and a test case for the limits of judicial authority over executive immigration enforcement.
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