A representation of the legal challenges surrounding immigration cases.
Boston, August 1, 2025
Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Brown Medicine assistant professor, has been deported to Lebanon despite a valid H-1B visa. She was detained at Boston Logan Airport during her return from a family trip. A federal judge’s order attempting to halt her deportation has led to legal challenges, with allegations against the government for not adhering to the court’s requirements. Alawieh’s situation highlights growing concerns regarding immigration processes for visa holders, especially those with sensitive backgrounds.
Boston – Dr. Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor at Brown Medicine, has been deported to Lebanon despite holding a valid H-1B visa necessary for her employment. This deportation is currently under investigation by a federal judge following the events surrounding her removal.
The incident unfolded after Alawieh returned to the United States from a family trip to Lebanon. During her return, she was detained at Boston Logan International Airport for 36 hours by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. A U.S. District Judge, Leo Sorokin, had previously issued an order prohibiting her deportation without providing 48 hours’ advance notice to the court, a procedure the government failed to follow according to Alawieh’s legal team.
Following her detention, Alawieh was put on a flight to Paris before a habeas corpus petition was filed by her cousin, paving the way for legal intervention. Upon their arrival, government lawyers suggested that CBP was unaware of the judge’s order at the time Alawieh was placed on a flight. However, Alawieh’s lawyers argue that this disregard for the court’s instructions represents a willful disobedience by the government in the matter.
During her time in detention, CBP allegedly discovered “sympathetic photos and videos” related to Hezbollah on Alawieh’s phone, which they cited as justification for her deportation. Although Alawieh admitted to attending the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during her visit to Lebanon, she emphasized that her involvement was solely based on religious affiliation, not political alignment. This raised significant concerns among U.S. authorities about her intentions and connections upon her return.
The circumstances surrounding her detention and subsequent deportation have ignited widespread protests and criticism from colleagues, highlighting possible violations of her legal rights. Alawieh has lived and worked in the United States for several years, completing her medical education and fellowships at respected institutions, including a nephrology fellowship in 2020. Her involvement in kidney disease research underscores her contributions to the healthcare field.
The unfolding legal proceedings include deadlines for the government to respond to allegations of defiance by March 24, with Alawieh’s legal team expected to answer by March 31. CBP remains firm that their mandate includes preventing entry to individuals associated with terrorist organizations and emphasizes that possessing a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.
Dr. Rasha Alawieh has been an accomplished medical professional affiliated with Brown Medicine, notably contributing to research and education in nephrology. Her deportation raises pressing questions about the stability and fairness of immigration processes for professionals holding valid visas. The case could have implications for many others in similar situations, particularly those involved in academic and professional sectors facing scrutiny based on political and social affiliations.
The legal battle surrounding Alawieh is ongoing, with the courtroom dynamics shifting as new developments arise in her case. Advocates continue to push for her return and challenge the treatment she received while detained, emphasizing the need for adherence to established legal procedures.
Dr. Rasha Alawieh is an assistant professor at Brown Medicine specializing in nephrology, who has contributed significantly to kidney disease research.
Dr. Alawieh was deported after her detention at Boston Logan International Airport, with the government citing concerns about her connections to Hezbollah, despite her valid H-1B visa.
A U.S. District Judge issued an order to halt her deportation without a 48-hour notice to the court, which Alawieh’s legal team claims the government violated.
This case raises concerns about the treatment of visa holders and immigration procedures, especially regarding individuals from politically sensitive backgrounds.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Deported Individual | Dr. Rasha Alawieh, assistant professor at Brown Medicine |
| Visa Status | Holder of a valid H-1B visa |
| Detention Duration | 36 hours at Boston Logan International Airport |
| Judge’s Order | 48-hour notice required before deportation |
| Legal Proceedings | This case is actively being investigated by the federal judge |
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