During last year's pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the prestigious Columbia University, Khalil acted as a negotiator between the activists and the university management. He came into the spotlight when he was arrested in March this year without being accused of a crime – and President Donald Trump's government wanted to deport him for his participation in the demonstrations on campus. He was released in the summer after having been in custody for over three months.
According to the judge's decision, he omitted information when he applied for a visa, a so-called "green card".
His lawyers state that they have 30 days to appeal the decision.
Khalil says in a statement that it is not surprising that the Trump administration continues to "take revenge because I use my freedom of speech", reports NBC News.
