Lebanese professor deported by Trump administration after attending Hezbollah funeral
The Trump administration has deported Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese doctor and assistant professor, due to allegations of her attendance at the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the former Hezbollah leader. This deportation is part of a broader initiative to remove foreign nationals linked to terrorist organizations from the United States.
According to the Daily Caller, Rasha Alawieh, who was residing in the U.S. on an American visa, worked as a kidney transplant doctor and assistant professor. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed her deportation in a statement released on Monday via X, marking a significant decision aligned with the administration's continued immigration policy measures.
Alawieh's Presence In The U.S. And Event Details
In February, Alawieh traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, for the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, who had been the leader of Hezbollah until his death via an Israeli airstrike in September 2024. Nasrallah is known for orchestrating violence responsible for numerous American casualties over several decades. The funeral, attended by Alawieh, became controversial due to the significant role Nasrallah played in regional terrorism.
Upon her return to Boston's Logan Airport, Alawieh was denied entry into the U.S. by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers after acknowledging to them her support for Nasrallah based on her religious beliefs. During the inspection process, law enforcement discovered deleted files on her phone, including videos and images expressing sympathy towards other Hezbollah leaders, heightening concerns of her affiliations.
Actions Taken After Alawieh's Return
The DHS stated, "A visa is a privilege, not a right," emphasizing that supporting terrorists responsible for American deaths justifies visa denial. CBP's Assistant Commissioner, Hilton Beckham, highlighted that foreign nationals promoting extremist or terror-related ideologies are inadmissible, explaining that visas do not ensure entry without comprehensive security checks conducted by CBP.
Despite a temporary court order by Judge Leo T. Sorokin to halt Alawieh's deportation, she was expelled from the country before CBP received the legal document. She was subsequently placed on an Air France flight to Paris and then transported back to Lebanon. Her previously scheduled court hearing on Monday was canceled following the deportation.
Responses And Broader Context
This deportation reflects a pattern of similar actions by DHS, targeting foreign individuals deemed supportive of terrorist organizations. Hilton Beckham expressed that officers are trained to deny entry to those who openly support terrorism or propagate violent extremist content linked to U.S.-designated terror groups.
President Joe Biden referred to the Israeli airstrike that killed Nasrallah as a "measure of justice" for his countless victims, citing his and Hezbollah's responsibility for hundreds of American deaths. Alawieh's deportation aligns with these broader security objectives, underlining the U.S.'s firm stance against individuals with terrorist ties.
A comprehensive narrative is developing from this deportation, as it reflects tension points at the intersection of national security and immigration policy. While the circumstances surrounding Alawieh's case are specific, they resonate within a broader framework aiming to safeguard the U.S. from perceived external threats. DHS continues its vigilance in addressing such matters to maintain the nation's security integrity.
