Legal Challenge Spotlights Immigration Concerns for Muslim Doctor
In a press statement on Tuesday, Golnaz Fakhimi, legal director of Muslim Advocates, criticized the U.S. government’s treatment of Dr. Alawieh, a visibly Muslim woman who faces barriers in returning to her medical practice in Rhode Island. The lawsuit asserts that the government’s actions violate constitutional requirements under the Appointment Clause, which mandates that federal officials with significant authority be properly appointed.
Dr. Alawieh, a transplant nephrologist and one of only three in her field in Rhode Island, was denied entry based on decisions made by border agents at Logan Airport. The lawsuit contends that these agents exercised unilateral authority, impacting lives without any oversight or due process. It argues that Dr. Alawieh should have been granted a fair hearing before an immigration judge, particularly given her six-and-a-half years of lawful presence in the U.S.
The lawsuit requests a declaration from the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts that the expedited removal order violates constitutional provisions. In addition, it seeks the reinstatement of Dr. Alawieh’s H1-B visa, necessary for her employment in a specialty occupation. Advocates stress the importance of due process and argue that she poses no real danger to the community.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security cited Dr. Alawieh’s previous attendance at a funeral for a Hezbollah leader as justification for denying her visa, although they also mentioned that border agents were unaware of a court order preventing her removal at the time of her deportation.
Support for Dr. Alawieh is growing within the medical community, with local physician Dr. Daniel Walden emphasizing her vital role in delivering healthcare in Rhode Island. He urged for her swift return so she can continue serving her patients.
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