An American immigration judge has ruled that the authorities may deport Salah Sarsour, leader of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee – the state’s largest mosque – on the grounds that he poses a threat to national security.
Jayme Salinardi, a judge at the Chicago Immigration Court, ruled that Sarsour, who is a permanent resident of the US, can be deported on the basis of provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act. The decision is based, amongst other things, on an assessment by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Sarsour’s presence may have negative consequences for US foreign policy.
Suspicions of terrorist financing
The authorities have pointed out that Sarsour was convicted on several occasions in Israel, including for throwing stones at soldiers and attempting to procure weapons. In the US, he is suspected of having financed terrorist organisations. The judge dismissed an allegation that he had lied in his green card application.
Sarsour, who is from Jordan and has lived in the US for over 30 years without ever applying for US citizenship, was arrested by ICE in March and held in custody for 80 days before a federal judge ordered his release.
Sarsour’s lawyers claim the case is politically motivated due to his support for Palestine, and they intend to appeal the decision. He will not be deported whilst the appeal is pending.
