Despite rhetoric from the left, US law applies to green-card holders

(JNS) — For years, I’ve heard the complaint that non-Jews don’t stand up against systemic antisemitism. And I agree. But do you know what’s even more confusing? When Jewish organizations actively oppose measures that combat systemic antisemitism.

I’m not naive. People are people. Unity is a utopian fantasy.  Apparently, so is expecting universal agreement on a basic legal principle: If you violate the terms of your visa, you can be deported. Actions have consequences. Why is it such a complex concept?

I dedicate a significant part of my life to bridging communities: Jews and non-Jews. Educating people about Israel and antisemitism. Fighting this battle online and offline, on the beach and in the middle of a hiking trail, because yes, even in the depths of a forest, I’ve encountered anti-Israel messaging.

Then, something happens: An actual enforcement of immigration law. Mahmoud Khalil, a native of Syria who has spearheaded the anti-Israel movement at Columbia University, is arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

And what do I see? Jewish organizations are losing their minds, calling it a disgrace.

What so is disgraceful? That actions have consequences? That we no longer making exceptions for certain individuals? People have lost their green cards over traffic violations (repeated DUI, for instance), but this is an overreach?

Let’s go over some facts about Khalil before we go any further.

He is a Syrian-born Palestinian refugee, as per the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) status.

He earned his master’s in public administration from Columbia University, class of 2024.

He was the lead negotiator for Columbia’s Apartheid Divest.

He spearheaded the Gaza solidarity encampment at Columbia, though he argues he did not participate in them, just organized them.

He was reportedly suspended and later reinstated as a Columbia student.

He worked as a former UNRWA political affairs officer from June to November of 2023. This is the same UNRWA whose personnel were found actively participating in the Oct. 7 massacre, a fact that is worth repeating, since the agency somehow continues to operate despite this proven fact.

Now, let’s talk law because unless you went through a visa process yourself, people love to misrepresent it:

Though a student, Khalil wasn’t on an F1 student visa. He held a green card through marriage.

F1 visa holders are prohibited from even verbally supporting a designated terrorist organization.

Green card holders have more rights than visa holders, yes, but supporting terrorism isn’t one of them.

Green card holders are not citizens. They remain subject to deportation if they break the law.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (Section 237(a)(4)(C)(i))clearly states that a noncitizen whose activities pose serious foreign-policy risks to the United States is deportable.

So, let’s stop the nonsense. This isn’t about Israel vs. Gaza. This isn’t about Khalil vs. President Donald Trump. This is about the law. If you sign the papers, you follow the rules. If you break the rules, you face the consequences. That’s not a disgrace, it’s reality.

The pseudo and selective compassion are already in full force. There are accusations that ICE and Trump are being heartless because Khalil’s wife is eight months pregnant. But that doesn’t change his actions, nor does it make legal consequences go away, does it?

I have one thing to say about this: America, you or I are not responsible for someone else’s reckless decisions. If I know I am on a green card and expecting a child, I make adult choices that ensure I don’t end up in an incriminating position. It’s not a difficult concept. (Or, at least, should not be). Actions have consequences.

What’s even more astonishing is the continued double standard. Hamas is a designated terrorist group under U.S. law. A green card is a privilege, a step toward citizenship, not a guarantee of immunity. America owes no explanations to visa or green-card holders beyond this simple fact: You violated the terms, and now you face the repercussions.

Yet here we are. The liberal outrage brigade stands with Khalil, claiming his wife’s pregnancy erases the legal reality. These same people, ironically, are calling for Elon Musk, an actual U.S. citizen with eight children, to be deported. The mental gymnastics are exhausting.

I see this all the time. As a legal alien in the United States, my accent is constantly called out. I’m told to “go back to Hungary” when I discuss immigration laws. Meanwhile, those same activists are protesting ICE and supporting illegal immigrants who often don’t even speak English at a basic level. These contradictions are impossible to ignore.

If you want to debate immigration laws, fine. But don’t conflate it with Trump-hatred and selective outrage. Because like it or not, right now, this is the law, and it must be upheld.

follow due process protections (when applicable). But, as long as that is the case, the issue is not ICE, Trump or the law. The victim isn’t the perpetrator.

For me, this is personal. I spent years on an F1 visa, honestly, without the ability to “sneeze.” So, if you are an American, I suggest you read the actual documents that people need to sign when petitioning for a visa to the United States. Then tell me again why Khalil deserves a free pass.

Virag Gulyas is a public speaker and expert on international Jewish, E.U. and U.N. affairs, who challenges misguided narratives on Israel, Hungary, communism and beyond.