Boston, MA, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor at Brown Medicine, has been deported to Lebanon despite holding a valid H-1B visa. This incident followed a family visit, and raised legal concerns after a federal judge issued a stay on her deportation. The case has sparked significant protests, with claims that her legal rights were breached, highlighting issues in immigration enforcement. The government’s justification for her removal involved findings of sympathetic content towards Hezbollah on her phone, a claim she contests. Legal proceedings are ongoing as her team prepares a response to the government’s actions.
Boston, MA
Dr. Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor at Brown Medicine, has been deported to Lebanon amidst ongoing inquiries by a federal judge into the circumstances surrounding her removal from the United States. Alawieh was detained for 36 hours at Boston Logan International Airport before her deportation, despite holding a valid H-1B visa, which is essential for her employment in the U.S.
The incident took place after Alawieh returned from a family visit to Lebanon, which culminated in her being placed on a flight to Paris shortly after U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin had previously ordered that she should not be deported without providing the court with at least 48 hours’ notice. Government lawyers argued that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers were not aware of the court order at the time of Alawieh’s deportation. However, her legal team contends the government willfully disregarded the judge’s instructions regarding her removal.
During her detention, CBP officials reportedly discovered images and videos on Alawieh’s phone that were sympathetic towards Hezbollah figures, which they cited as a basis for her expulsion. While Alawieh confirmed attending the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during her visit, she asserted that her involvement was solely based on religious affiliations rather than political support. This identification raised questions among U.S. authorities, who interrogated her about possible connections to Hezbollah and her true intentions for being in the U.S.
The deportation and subsequent legal disputes began following an urgent habeas corpus petition filed by Alawieh’s cousin. This petition aimed to challenge her removal, prompting a last-minute court ruling just before Alawieh was scheduled to depart on a flight. Subsequent hearings concerning her case have experienced delays due to requests for additional time from her legal representation, which has seen recent changes.
Dr. Alawieh, who has lived and worked in the United States for years, completed her medical education and nephrology fellowship at respected institutions, finishing her fellowship in 2020. Her contributions include research in the field of kidney disease, underscoring her impact on healthcare.
The situation has attracted significant attention, with protests emerging over Alawieh’s treatment and allegations that her legal rights were compromised throughout the process. Critics emphasize that the circumstances surrounding her deportation highlight broader concerns regarding the application of immigration laws and the treatment of visa holders.
The court’s next steps involve the government addressing allegations of violating the judge’s order by March 24, with Alawieh’s attorneys expected to respond by March 31. Customs and Border Protection has reiterated its duty to deny entry to individuals associated with terrorist entities and clarified that possession of a visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S.
Background on Dr. Rasha Alawieh
- Assistant Professor at Brown Medicine
- Valid H-1B visa holder
- Specializes in nephrology and kidney disease research
- Previously completed medical education and fellowship in the U.S.
Legal Implications of the Case
- Federal judge issued a stay on deportation with 48 hours’ notice required
- Government claimed lack of awareness of legal stipulations
- Legal representation for Alawieh seeks time to prepare for court hearings
Public Response
- Protests arise condemning Alawieh’s treatment
- Colleagues and peers express concern over her legal rights
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
- Government’s response to judge’s order due March 24
- Alawieh’s legal team’s response due March 31
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Dr. Rasha Alawieh deported?
What were the reasons given by CBP for her deportation?
What are the next steps following the judge’s order?
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Person Involved | Dr. Rasha Alawieh |
| Position | Assistant Professor at Brown Medicine |
| Visa | Valid H-1B visa |
| Deportation Date | Affected by the judge’s order |
| Legal Responses | Government must respond by March 24; Alawieh’s legal team by March 31 |
| Public Reaction | Protests and concerns over legal rights |
| Background | Research contributions in nephrology |
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Deportation in the United States
- Patriot Ledger
- Google Search: Rasha Alawieh
- CNN
- Google Scholar: Rasha Alawieh
- Politico
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law
- Brown Daily Herald
- Google News: Rasha Alawieh Deportation
