Indian researcher in US accused of Hamas ties; faces deportation
What's the story
Badar Khan Suri, an Indian citizen and postdoctoral researcher at Washington DC's Georgetown University, has been arrested by federal agents over allegations of spreading antisemitism and having ties to Hamas. He was detained by the Department of Homeland Security outside his Virginia home on Monday night after he was notified that his visa had been canceled. Suri is currently married to an American citizen and is waiting in immigration court, his attorney said.
Deportation process
Allegations and legal proceedings
According to Suri's release petition, he was placed in deportation proceedings under a rarely used clause of immigration law. The provision allows the Secretary of State to deport non-citizens who are deemed a threat to US foreign policy. The same law was invoked to try to deport Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate student and green card holder who led pro-Palestinian protests on campus. According to Fox News, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is convinced Suri's activities make him deportable.
Defense
Suri denies allegations, cites wife's Palestinian background
Suri has denied all allegations against him and says he's being targeted because of his wife's Palestinian heritage. His lawyer argued, "If an accomplished scholar who focuses on conflict resolution is whom the government decides is bad for foreign policy, then perhaps the problem is with the government, not the scholar." According to his petition, the pair has "long been doxxed and smeared" on anonymous, far-right websites because they support Palestinian rights.
Academic profile
Suri's academic background and teaching role
The petition also claims that Suri's wife, Mapheze Saleh, is alleged to have "ties with Hamas" and has previously worked for Al Jazeera. Suri has a PhD in peace and conflict studies from India. He was teaching "Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia" at Georgetown University, his profile on the university's website said.
Georgetown University's statement
University responds to Suri's detention
Georgetown University backed Suri in a statement to CBS News. The university spokesperson said, "We are not aware of him engaging in any illegal activity, and we have not received a reason for his detention." The university also reiterated their support for community members' rights "to free and open inquiry, deliberation and debate."