Who is Rasha Alawieh? Lebanese Doctor Deported from the U.S
Rasha Alawieh - A Lebanese doctor and professor at Brown University was deported from the United States last week

Rasha Alawieh's deportation from the United States, despite holding a valid work visa and a federal court order temporarily blocking her removal, has sparked debates on immigration enforcement, national security, and academic freedom. ​

Early Life and Education

Born in Lebanon in 1988 or 1989, Dr. Alawieh pursued her medical education at the American University of Beirut (AUB). She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2011 and her Medical Doctorate in 2015. ​

Incident Leading to Deportation

In March 2025, upon returning from a family visit to Lebanon, Dr. Alawieh was detained at Boston's Logan International Airport. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers inspected her cellphone and discovered deleted photos and videos of Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah. Dr. Alawieh acknowledged attending Nasrallah's funeral, asserting that her support was from a religious, not political, perspective. ​

Professional Journey

2015-2018: After completing her medical degree, Dr. Alawieh remained at AUB Medical Center for her residency, focusing on internal medicine.​

2018: She relocated to the United States on a J-1 visa to further her training.​

2018-2024: Dr. Alawieh completed fellowships in nephrology and transplant nephrology at institutions including Ohio State University and the University of Washington.​

July 2024: She joined Brown Medicine's Division of Kidney Disease and Hypertension as an assistant professor of medicine, specializing in transplant nephrology. ​

Legal Proceedings and Controversy

Despite holding a valid H-1B visa and a federal judge's order requiring 48 hours' notice before any deportation action, Dr. Alawieh was deported to Lebanon. The Department of Homeland Security defended the deportation, stating that supporting terrorist organizations is grounds for visa denial. This incident has raised concerns about the enforcement of immigration laws and the potential overreach of national security measures.​

Impact on the Academic Community

Dr. Alawieh's deportation has alarmed the academic community, particularly at Brown University, where she was a valued faculty member. Her colleagues have expressed outrage over her treatment and the potential loss to the medical field, as she was one of only three transplant nephrologists in Rhode Island. ​

This case underscores the complexities at the intersection of immigration enforcement, national security, and individual rights. It raises critical questions about due process and the balance between safeguarding national interests and protecting personal freedoms.​

Conclusion

Dr. Rasha Alawieh's deportation has sparked a multifaceted debate involving legal, ethical, and professional considerations. As the situation continues to unfold, it serves as a poignant example of the challenges faced by international professionals navigating complex immigration landscapes.​

Information Box: H-1B Visa Overview

Definition: A non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise.​

Validity: Typically granted for three years, extendable up to six years.​

Eligibility: Requires a bachelor's degree or higher in the specific specialty, with the employer acting as the visa sponsor.​

Annual Cap: Subject to a numerical limit each fiscal year, with certain exceptions for specific fields and employers.
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