Doctor Deported Despite Judge’s Order, Sparks Legal Controversy

BOSTON, March 16 — Dr. Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor at Brown University‘s medical school, was deported to Lebanon on Thursday after being held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Boston Logan International Airport, despite a federal judge’s order blocking her removal.

According to court documents and statements from Alawieh’s cousin, Yara Chehab, the deportation occurred in defiance of a U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin’s order issued on Friday, which mandated 48 hours’ notice before any removal of Alawieh from Massachusetts. The judge’s order followed the allegation that Alawieh possessed a valid H-1B visa issued by the U.S. consulate in Beirut.

The petition filed on Alawieh’s behalf claimed that CBP acted “wilfully” in disobeying the judge’s order, forcing her return to Lebanon without legal justification. “The government shall respond to these serious allegations with a legal and factual response setting forth its version of events,” Sorokin noted in a statement.

In a direct response, Hilton Beckham, CBP’s assistant commissioner of public affairs, reiterated the importance of national security and stressed that “arriving aliens bear the burden of establishing admissibility to the United States.” Beckham added that CBP officers “adhere to strict protocols to identify and stop threats.”

Following the incident, Brown University issued a statement expressing concern over the situation, with spokesperson Brian Clark indicating that the institution is gathering more information but is cautious about discussing individual circumstances publicly.

Congressman Gabe Amo (D-R.I.) has reached out to legal counsel and other lawmakers to discuss the alleged violation of the federal judge’s order regarding Alawieh’s deportation. “I remain committed to getting answers from the Department of Homeland Security to provide clarity for Dr. Alawieh and the community,” Amo stated.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has called for Alawieh’s immediate readmission to the U.S., criticizing the deportation as undermining the rule of law and reinforcing negative perceptions of the immigration system.

Dr. Alawieh, who has worked at Brown Medicine in the Division of Kidney Disease and Hypertension, entered the U.S. under a J-1 visa in 2018, later transitioning to the H-1B visa upon her return from a visit to Lebanon. The legal petition highlights her qualifications and the contributions she has made as a medical professional.

As the case develops, the next court hearing is scheduled for Monday. Observers are waiting to see if the legal ramifications of her deportation will prompt changes in the handling of immigration cases.