Brown University Professor Deported for Alleged Hezbollah Ties by U.S. Homeland Security

Rasha Alawieh had photos of Hezbollah chief Nasrallah on her phone and attended his funeral, officials said. Her removal has sparked alarm

On Monday, Homeland Security authorities stated that a physician from Lebanon, who had been removed from the country even with a valid U.S. visa, explicitly acknowledged participating in the funeral of a Hezbollah leader and expressed support for him.

The department’s announcement, shared via social media, offers a potential reason behind the expulsion of 34-year-old Dr. Rasha Alawieh, whose forced departure from the U.S. has caused significant concern, particularly following an order from a federal judge mandating that she should remain unless there had been a proper hearing. According to government attorneys, immigration authorities were unable to halt her return to Lebanon due to delays in receiving notification.

“Obtaining a visa is a privilege, not an entitlement — providing support or praise to terrorists who murder Americans serves as justification for denying their visa applications. This represents sensible safety measures,” stated the Department of Homeland Security.

Are you curious about the most significant issues and global trends? Find out here with
SCMP Knowledge
Our updated platform features handpicked content including explainer articles, FAQ sections, detailed analyses, and informative infographics, all provided by our prestigious award-winning team.

The Justice Department has outlined its rationale for deporting Alawieh in court papers; however, these documents have been kept confidential from the general public at the order of a federal judge. Reports indicate that news organizations managed to access these files prior to their sealing and revealed that Alawieh possessed images of Hassan Nasrallah — who has led the Lebanese militant organization for thirty years — on her device.

This marks the most recent expulsion of an individual born abroad who held a US visa within the last week, following another incident.
A student from Columbia University who organized demonstrations against the Gaza conflict was detained.
Additionally, another student had their visa canceled. Despite a federal judge issuing a temporary injunction against deportations, the Trump administration still moved hundreds of migrants to El Salvador.

Alawieh received the visa on March 11 and landed at Boston Logan International Airport on Thursday, as stated in a complaint submitted to federal court by one of her cousins on her behalf.

Alawieh, a kidney transplant specialist with prior experience working and residing in Rhode Island, was held for a minimum of 36 hours until Friday, according to the complaint. She was scheduled to begin her role at Brown University as an assistant professor of medicine.

On Friday, US District Judge Leo Sorokin ordered that an in-person hearing be set for Monday, requiring Alawieh to appear in court.

However, by Saturday, the cousin submitted a filing claiming that customs authorities deliberately defied the directive by returning Alawieh to Lebanon.

Attorneys representing the government stated in a legal document submitted on Monday that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the Boston airport were not informed about the directive until after she had “already left the United States,” as observed by the judge. They requested that the appeal be rejected.

On Monday, the judge postponed the hearing of the case to provide Alawieh’s legal representatives with more time to get ready.

Stephanie Marzouk, Alawieh’s attorney, mentioned that they are striving to make sure the US government adheres to legal standards. She stated that they will continue their efforts without giving up to have her returned to the United States, “so she can reunite with her patients where she belongs.”

Alawieh previously worked at Brown prior to receiving her H1B visa, according to the complaint. The document also stated that she has been awarded fellowships and residencies at three U.S. universities.

A representative from Brown stated that Alawieh works for Brown Medicine and holds a clinical position at Brown.

Brown Medicine is a non-profit healthcare provider operating as an independent entity. It caters directly to its patient community and has ties with the medical program at Brown University.

On Monday, several of Dr. Alawieh’s coworkers gathered outside Boston’s federal courthouse to show their support for him.

One of only three transplant nephrologists in all of Rhode Island, who also cover portions of Massachusetts and Connecticut, she plays a crucial role,” explained Dr. Susie Hu. “Her departure would significantly impact our program.

Hu noted that transplant nephrology is a “highly specialized area,” and finding someone to replace Alawieh will probably pose significant challenges.

Dr. Douglas Shemin, who mentioned that he employed Alawieh at Brown Medicine, described her as an “exceptional” physician and educator known for willingly working extended hours with enthusiasm and without complaint.

He mentioned that she possesses a valuable source of information, one that isn’t accessible to everybody.

Currently, Brown Medicine has approximately 300 to 400 patients awaiting kidney transplants, as stated by Shemin. These individuals require consistent evaluations, a task now handled solely by two physicians.

A gathering was organized to back Alawieh on Monday evening at the Rhode Island state house.

More Articles from SCMP

Hong Kong officials state that monetary incentives are unnecessary for ‘space oil’ information tips.

China introduces 30-point plan to boost consumer spending.

China trials massive cargo drone able to carry more than one ton of supplies.

Lee Shau-kee, the founder of Henderson and affectionately known as ‘Uncle Four’ by residents of Hong Kong, has passed away at the age of 97.

The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.

Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.