The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on March 17, 2025, its decision to deport Dr. Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor at Brown University, following her attendance at the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the former Hezbollah leader implicated in numerous terrorist activities, including the deaths of hundreds of Americans.
Alawieh, who had been on an H-1B visa, openly admitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers her support for Nasrallah, stating her interest in him was primarily religious rather than political. This admission played a significant role in the agency's decision to revoke her visa. "A visa is a privilege not a right—glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be denied. This is commonsense security," remarked DHS.
Details emerged about Alawieh's deportation during the subsequent legal proceedings. Alawieh traveled to Lebanon for the funeral held for Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah for over 30 years, and acknowledged having “sympathetic photos and videos” of Hezbollah members on her phone, which she reportedly deleted shortly before traveling.
Adding to the complications, Alawieh's deportation occurred shortly after Mahmoud Khalil, another individual with ties to Columbia University, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), amplifying tensions at US universities. Alawieh had received her visa just days before her deportation, and her family members swiftly filed suit, alleging the government had acted unlawfully by not honoring the judge’s order to keep her stateside.
A federal judge had ordered her to remain for hearings related to her case. The judge specified Alawieh be kept until after the court's review, but DHS claimed the CBP officers had not received the necessary notifications before Alawieh’s flight to Lebanon.
"Dr. Alawieh is now in Lebanon," the judge indicated, adding to the outcry over the government's actions. Alawieh’s cousin stated she has been out of the country since her visa was granted on March 11, 2025, only to be deported just days later upon her return.
Alawieh, who has been living and working in the U.S. since 2018, played a significant role as one of the few transplant nephrologists available to residents of Rhode Island. Health professionals, including Dr. Susie Hu from Brown Medicine, lamented her absence, emphasizing the negative impact it would have on patient care.
“She's only one of three transplant nephrologists in the state of Rhode Island, and her absence will be felt deeply,” Dr. Hu said, underscoring the difficulty of filling such roles amid increasing scrutiny on immigrant professionals.
The challenges surrounding Alawieh's deportation reflect broader issues concerning immigration policy, particularly for those closely associated with academic institutions, and have sparked intense debate on security measures versus individual rights. The situation reveals the immense pressures on immigration enforcement under former President Trump’s administration, which has involved aggressive actions against university-affiliated individuals.
While DHS officials maintain their stance on the necessity of strict security measures, Alawieh's case exemplifies the often turbulent intersection of immigration and academic freedom, raising questions about the extent to which individuals can express their beliefs and interests without facing repercussions. This incident is not merely about one individual; it touches on the rights of many individuals who seek to build lives and careers within the U.S., as well as the broader societal implications of such enforcement actions.
Despite the current situation, Alawieh's legal team expressed determination to challenge her deportation and work to facilitate her return. "We are going to try to get her back to the U.S. where she should be—treating her patients," her attorney affirmed. The outcome of this case may set significant precedents for other visa holders involved with controversial political affiliations, making Alawieh’s situation one to watch closely.
