DHS Detains Lebanese Doctor with Work Visa for Brown University Appointment

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese physician with a valid H1B visa, was detained at Logan Airport while en route to teach at Brown University. Despite the legal court’s intervention prohibiting her deportation without adequate notice, DHS allegedly proceeded with her deportation to France en route to Lebanon. Concerns regarding her detention highlight issues within U.S. immigration enforcement.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese doctor possessing a valid H1B work visa, was detained at Boston’s Logan International Airport on March 13, where she was set to commence her role as an assistant professor of medicine at Brown University. Alawieh is recognized for her expertise in kidney transplants, having trained at prestigious institutions such as the University of Washington and Yale University. The legal documents indicate significant concern from her department at Brown, with colleagues highlighting her critical role in Transplant Nephrology.

Despite her qualifications and valid visa, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) did not provide a reason for her detention. They reiterated the protocol stating that arriving individuals must demonstrate their admissibility to the U.S., while expressing their commitment to national security. Hilton Beckham, CBP’s Assistant Commissioner of Public Affairs, emphasized the agency’s dedication to preventing threats from entering the country.

A U.S. district court judge established a protective measure prohibiting Dr. Alawieh’s deportation without at least 48 hours’ prior notice and justification from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Contrary to this order, DHS reportedly ignored the court’s directive and proceeded to deport Dr. Alawieh to France, with intentions to send her onward to Lebanon, although confirmation of this deportation has not been established. Further hearings are anticipated shortly, with a hearing scheduled for Monday morning.

This case highlights significant legal and ethical concerns surrounding the detention and deportation processes for foreign educators and medical professionals seeking to contribute to the U.S. healthcare system. Dr. Alawieh, despite having a valid work visa and critical academic responsibilities, faced unjust detention and potential deportation, raising questions about due process and the priorities of immigration enforcement.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com