Columbia Grad Khalil Faces Slow System

There are many First Amendment and other debates around a recent immigration judge ruling that Columbia University grad student Mahmoud Khalil can be deported, but the case clearly illustrates how our civil justice system can take years to reach a decision.

A good CNN report that “… the legal battle against his detention and deportation is far from over” explains the Louisiana judge’s finding: A “removability finding” in immigration court means the judge has determined the individual is subject to removal from the United States due to a violation of immigration law or lack of legal immigration status. Khalil’s attorneys said they will appeal.

“The timeline depends entirely on whether he remains detained. If yes, it could be 1-2 years until a circuit court weighs in. If released, it could be 5-7 years,” the attorney wrote.

The CNN report is one of the better look-aheads about the case. Find it here.