The U.S. government contends that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia student and pro-Palestinian activist, failed to disclose critical information on his green card application. Despite being labeled a potential national security threat, deportation efforts have prompted claims of political retaliation. His defense argues that the new justification for deportation lacks validity and stems from Khalil's activism criticizing U.S. foreign policy. Khalil, who identifies as a political prisoner, has garnered attention for the implications of his case on free speech rights in the U.S.