On March 17, 2025, U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials announced the deportation of Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a 34-year-old kidney transplant specialist from Lebanon, who faced removal from the U.S. just days after arriving with a valid H-1B visa. The deportation, which stirred considerable public and legal uproar, was justified by the authorities on claims of Alawieh’s alleged connections to Hezbollah, particularly her reported confession of attending the funeral of the group's former leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Dr. Alawieh had traveled to Lebanon to visit family and returned to Logan International Airport on March 13, 2025. Upon her arrival, customs officials found “sympathetic photos and videos” of Hezbollah leaders on her cell phone, which reportedly led to her deportation. Government documents state she expressed support for Nasrallah on religious grounds, stating, “It’s purely religious for me,” and emphasized her lack of political involvement with Hezbollah. Despite her assertions, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin declared, “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.”
The Federal Judge Leo Sorokin had previously ordered on March 14, 2025, for no removal of Alawieh without 48 hours’ notice for him to review her circumstances. Nonetheless, the following day, she was put on a flight back to Lebanon.
The Justice Department reported in court documents after the incident, arguing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) did not receive the appropriate notification about the judge's ruling before Alawieh departed. They indicated this claim to be the basis for their legal defense against allegations of violating the order. “At no time would CBP not take a court order seriously or fail to abide by it,” the government lawyers stated. This has led to calls for increased scrutiny over deportation processes under dire legal circumstances.
Alawieh was detained for roughly 36 hours before her deportation, and her case had gained significant media attention highlighting the precarious situation of foreign nationals working and studying in the U.S. Legal actions to contest her removal began with Alawieh’s cousin filing for an injunction to stop the deportation after the immigration violation came to light.
Colleagues and supporters of Alawieh on March 17 gathered outside the federal courthouse to protest her deportation. Dr. Susie Hu, interim director of Brown Medicine's Division of Kidney Transplant & Hypertension, voiced the community's distress, stating, “Her absence is really detrimental to our program,” highlighting Alawieh’s pivotal role as one of only three nephrologists serving Rhode Island. This echoes the concerns echoed by others about the immediate and adverse impact on the healthcare system. Brown Medicine has approximately 300 to 400 patients currently awaiting kidney transplants, and Alawieh’s specialized skills were deeply valued.
More than 100 demonstrators braved rainy weather later the same day outside the Rhode Island Statehouse, bearing placards reading “Dr. Rasha Has Rights” and “We cannot tolerate this!” showcasing community solidarity amid growing concerns about civil rights and the status of immigrants.
The controversy surrounding Alawieh follows another high-profile case involving Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested for leading protests against the Gaza war at Columbia University. This incident has intensified scrutiny over the handling of visa issues and the deportation of foreign nationals who engage in political activism.
Stephanie Marzouk, Alawieh’s attorney, vowed the legal team would continue to fight for her return, emphasizing Alawieh’s rights. “We’re not going to stop fighting for her,” Marzouk confidently stated during judicial proceedings as her cause gained traction. The Brown Medicine institution has also sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding her removal and the subsequent legal interpretations of events.
Multiple reports outlined the findings of the photos, including images of Nasrallah and Iranian clerics, with which Alawieh allegedly stated she maintained her compliance with religious teachings and practices rather than endorsing any political agendas. Critics have pointed out the growing trend toward heightened immigration enforcement concerning individuals whose personal affiliations or beliefs may raise red flags, raising significant ethical discussions.
The legal framework surrounding Alawieh's case exemplifies broader issues relating to visa policies, immigrant worker rights, and the balance of national security interest versus individual liberty. Alawieh had held prior fellowships and residencies at respected institutions within the U.S., contributing to her professional credibility.
Legal defenses and subsequent filings are expected to take place with the next court date drawing near for governmental responses due by March 24, 2025, and plaintiff replies by March 31, 2025. The outcome presents significant ramifications not just for Alawieh but also for other immigrants who fear similar repercussions should they find themselves at the intersection of security policies and personal beliefs.
With multiple stakeholders interested, including immigration advocates, university representatives, and broader humanitarian groups, this case continues to symbolize the tension between security measures and human rights, demanding careful analysis and response from legal authorities.
