Homeland Security Deports Professor Dr. Rasha Alawieh for Supporting Hezbollah Leader

AP Homeland Security officials revealed that Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese doctor deported despite holding a US visa, "openly admitted" to attending a Hezbollah leader's funeral and supporting him. This revelation sheds light on the deportation of the 34-year-old, which has caused significant concern, especially after a federal judge ordered her not to be deported until a hearing occurred.

Alawieh, a kidney transplant specialist, was detained for at least 36 hours before being sent back to Lebanon. She was set to begin work as an assistant professor of medicine at Brown University. Her cousin filed a complaint in federal court, stating that customs officials "willfully" ignored the judge's order by deporting her.

Visa Controversy and Legal Proceedings

The Department of Justice provided reasons for Alawieh's deportation in sealed court documents. News outlets reported she had photos of Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Lebanese militant group, on her phone. Homeland Security stated, "A visa is a privilege not a right—glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be denied."

Government lawyers argued that US Customs and Border Protection officers at Boston airport did not receive the judge's order until after Alawieh had left the US. They requested the petition be dismissed. Meanwhile, Judge Leo Sorokin postponed the hearing to allow Alawieh's lawyers time to prepare their case.

Impact on Medical Community

Dr. Susie Hu highlighted Alawieh's critical role as one of three transplant nephrologists in Rhode Island, serving parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Hu emphasized that her absence severely impacts their program due to the specialized nature of transplant nephrology.

Dr. Douglas Shemin praised Alawieh as an "outstanding" clinician and teacher who worked tirelessly without complaint. He noted that Brown Medicine has 300 to 400 patients awaiting kidney transplants, now requiring evaluation by just two doctors.

Support from Colleagues and Community

A small group of Alawieh's colleagues gathered outside Boston's federal courthouse to show support for her. A rally was also planned at the Rhode Island statehouse to advocate for her return. Stephanie Marzouk, Alawieh's lawyer, stated they are committed to ensuring the US government adheres to legal procedures and will continue fighting for her return.

Alawieh previously worked at Brown Medicine before receiving her H1B visa. She held fellowships and residencies at three US universities. A spokesperson confirmed her employment with Brown Medicine, which operates independently but is affiliated with Brown University's medical school.

This incident follows other recent deportations involving foreign-born individuals with US visas. A Columbia student who led Gaza war protests was arrested, and another student's visa was revoked. The Trump administration also transferred immigrants to El Salvador despite a federal judge's temporary deportation ban.