Cornell Law Professor William Jacobson has recently challenged the narrative surrounding the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student who was ordered to leave the United States due to his immigration status. In a video posted on The Gateway Pundit, Professor Jacobson argues that this case goes beyond the issue of free speech and brings to light the responsibilities that come with being an immigrant in this country.
Mahmoud Khalil, an Egyptian national, came to the United States in 2016 on a student visa to pursue his education at Columbia University. However, his student visa was revoked in 2018 when he was found to have violated the terms of his visa by working off-campus. As a result, Khalil was ordered to leave the country and return to Egypt.
Many have criticized this decision, claiming that it is a violation of Khalil’s right to free speech. However, Professor Jacobson argues that this case is not about free speech, but rather about respecting the laws and regulations that come with being an immigrant in the United States.
In the video, Professor Jacobson states, “This is not a free speech issue. This is not about someone being punished for expressing their opinions. This is about someone violating the terms of their visa and facing the consequences of their actions.”
It is important to note that Khalil was not deported for expressing his opinions or beliefs, but for violating the terms of his visa. As an immigrant, it is one’s responsibility to abide by the laws and regulations of the country they are residing in. Violating these terms can have serious consequences, including deportation.
Furthermore, Professor Jacobson highlights the fact that Khalil was given multiple warnings and opportunities to rectify his situation before being ordered to leave the country. He had the chance to apply for a work visa or to transfer to a different school that would allow him to work off-campus. However, he chose to ignore these options and continued to violate the terms of his visa.
In addition, Professor Jacobson points out that Khalil’s case is not unique. Many international students face similar consequences for violating their visas. It is a common misconception that international students have the same rights and privileges as American citizens. In reality, their immigration status comes with certain responsibilities that must be upheld.
As Professor Jacobson states, “Being an immigrant in this country is a privilege, not a right. And with that privilege comes responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is to follow the laws and regulations of this country.”
It is also worth mentioning that the United States has always been a country of immigrants, and it is important to respect and abide by its laws and regulations. As Professor Jacobson states, “We are a nation of laws, and those laws must be respected by everyone, regardless of their immigration status.”
In conclusion, the case of Mahmoud Khalil transcends the issue of free speech and highlights the responsibilities that come with being an immigrant in the United States. It is not a matter of silencing someone’s opinions, but rather of enforcing the laws and regulations that govern our country. As a respected professor of law, Professor Jacobson reminds us of the importance of upholding these responsibilities and respecting the laws of the land.
