Brown University professor deported to Lebanon after attending Hezbollah leader’s funeral: DHS

Brown University assistant professor and doctor, Rasha Alawieh, was recently deported to Lebanon despite holding an H-1B visa. The Federal authorities revealed that Alawieh had expressed support for and attended the funeral of a notorious Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that Alawieh openly admitted her support for Nasrallah and even attended his funeral in Beirut, Lebanon. McLaughlin emphasized that supporting terrorists who have killed Americans should not be tolerated, especially for individuals holding visas in the United States.

Alawieh, a 34-year-old physician specializing in kidney transplants, was detained at Boston Logan International Airport upon her return from Lebanon. During questioning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, she confessed to attending Nasrallah’s funeral and expressing her religious support for him, although she claimed not to support him politically.

Further investigation into Alawieh’s phone revealed photos and videos of Hezbollah leaders, as well as other militants associated with the group. This evidence led CBP to cancel her visa and deem her inadmissible to the United States due to concerns about her true intentions in the country.

Despite a court order from U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin to prevent Alawieh’s deportation for at least 48 hours, she was placed on a flight to Paris and subsequently sent back to Lebanon. Sorokin postponed a scheduled hearing to allow the Department of Justice more time to respond to allegations that federal agents ignored the court order in deporting Alawieh.

Alawieh first came to the U.S. in 2018 for a nephrology fellowship and had since completed various medical programs at prestigious institutions. Her cousin, Yara Chehab, intervened in court on her behalf, stating that Brown University had sponsored Alawieh for an H-1B visa to work as an assistant professor.

Despite the controversy surrounding Alawieh’s deportation, Brown University, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, and the Justice Department have yet to respond to inquiries. The case remains ongoing, with a rescheduled hearing set for March 25 to address the allegations of disregarding the court order.

In conclusion, the deportation of Rasha Alawieh has sparked a debate on national security and the implications of supporting terrorist organizations. The case serves as a reminder of the strict regulations and consequences for individuals holding visas in the United States.