Deportation of Brown University Professor Sparks Legal Battle

BOSTON, March 16 (AP) — Dr. Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor at Brown University's medical school, was deported to Lebanon on Thursday, despite a federal court order blocking her removal, according to court documents and family statements.

Alawieh, a 34-year-old physician, was detained after arriving at Logan International Airport from Lebanon, where she had traveled to visit family. Family members alleged she was held for 36 hours before her expulsion, which occurred without the required notice to the court as mandated by U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin.

Judge Sorokin had issued a ruling on Friday requiring U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify the court at least 48 hours before any removal. Legal filings indicate that Alawieh possessed a valid H-1B visa issued by the U.S. consulate in Beirut, which allows foreigners to work in the United States in specialty occupations.

The lawsuit, filed by Alawieh’s cousin Yara Chehab, accused CBP of removing Alawieh “wilfully” in violation of the judge’s order. “The government shall respond to these serious allegations with a legal and factual response setting forth its version of events,” Judge Sorokin instructed in his order.

In a statement, Hilton Beckham, CBP’s assistant commissioner of public affairs, emphasized the agency’s commitment to national security and compliance with immigration laws. “Arriving aliens bear the burden of establishing admissibility to the United States. Our officers adhere to strict protocols to identify and stop threats,” Beckham said.

This situation prompted attention from U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), who expressed concern about the apparent violation of the court order and is working to seek clarity from the Department of Homeland Security regarding Alawieh’s case. “I remain committed to getting answers for Dr. Alawieh, her family, her colleagues, and our community,” he stated.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations criticized the actions of the Trump administration in a press release, calling for Alawieh’s immediate readmission and arguing that her deportation undermines the rule of law. They stressed Alawieh’s contributions as a doctor in the Division of Kidney Disease and Hypertension at Brown Medicine.

Dr. Alawieh has an extensive background in medicine, having completed fellowships at Ohio State University and the University of Washington, as well as finishing her residency at the American University of Beirut. Her return to Lebanon has raised further questions regarding the legal processes involved in her case and the treatment of immigrants.

Brown University is currently reviewing the situation. Spokesperson Brian Clark said the institution seeks more details while being careful about sharing information related to an individual’s personal circumstances.

This remains a developing story, with a hearing scheduled for Monday to further address the issues surrounding Alawieh’s deportation.