Khalil's lawyers argue deportation policy violates free speech

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, argue that the Trump administration's policy to deport foreign nationals involved in pro-Palestinian protests is unconstitutional. They claim it violates First Amendment rights by targeting individuals based on their speech. Khalil was arrested and detained under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which has rarely been used. The government asserts his activities could harm U.S. foreign policy, but Khalil's lawyers dispute this characterization. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman has temporarily blocked Khalil's deportation while the legal challenge proceeds. The case raises questions about the balance between free speech rights and the government's stance on protests affecting foreign policy.