Brown University professor deported to Lebanon despite having valid visa, court filings claim
Federal agents detained a Brown University professor at Logan International Airport last week despite being in the country legally, according to court documents.
A hearing on the case was scheduled for Monday, but has since been delayed.
Dr. Rasha Alawieh was detained Thursday; however she has a valid work visa that was issued a few days prior on March 11.
Alawieh is a Lebanese citizen who was employed by Brown University as an assistant professor of medicine.
Documents show Department of Homeland Security officials gave no reason for detaining Alawieh. The agency also disregarded a court order to hold her and instead sent her to France, where she later continued to Lebanon.
"Arriving aliens bear the burden of establishing admissibility to the United States. Our Officers adhere to strict protocols to identify and stop threats, using rigorous screening, vetting, strong law enforcement partnerships, and keen inspectional skills to keep threats out of the country," said Hilton Beckham, assistant commissioner of public affairs for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Homeland Security officials had said more information would be released at the hearing, however a new date has not been announced.
