Categories: Doctors in the NewsHealthNews

Deportation Controversy Surrounds Brown Medicine Professor

A representation of the legal challenges surrounding immigration cases.

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?

Dr. Alawieh was deported after being detained at the airport, despite holding a valid H-1B visa and a court order preventing her deportation without prior notice.

What were the reasons given by CBP for her deportation?

Customs and Border Protection cited “sympathetic photos and videos” related to Hezbollah found on Dr. Alawieh’s phone as part of the justification for her removal.

What are the next steps following the judge’s order?

The government must respond to allegations of violating the court order by March 24, with Dr. Alawieh’s legal team required to reply by March 31.

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