Georgetown University researcher Badar Khan Suri reached a partial settlement with the Trump administration so he can return to his job while the federal government seeks his deportation.
Suri was arrested outside of his apartment in March as the Trump administration targeted pro-Palestinian foreign students and faculty, alleging he had ties to Hamas. Suri’s legal status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a reporting system that gives information about international students and faculty to the Department of Homeland Security, was taken away.
The agreement restores his status retroactively to when it was revoked, including for his children, and allows Suri to return to work.
The Trump administration agreed not to terminate the status again unless “a newly discovered, independent legal ground” is found for revocation, in which case the federal government will give Suri a 21-day notification.
The deal, however, does not end deportation proceedings against Suri or settle the question of whether the government violated his rights. The Trump administration can seek to continue the case to kick Suri out of the country.
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said on the social platform X at the time of Suri’s arrest that he was “actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media.”
“Suri has close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas. The Secretary of State issued a determination on March 15, 2025 that Suri’s activities and presence in the United States rendered him deportable under INA section 237(a)(4)(C)(i),” she said.
A spokesperson for Georgetown said the institution was “not aware” of any criminal activity from Suri.
“We support our community members’ rights to free and open inquiry, deliberation and debate, even if the underlying ideas may be difficult, controversial or objectionable. We expect the legal system to adjudicate this case fairly,” the school said.
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