DHS Detains Lebanese Doctor with Work Visa En Route to Teach at Brown University

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese kidney transplant specialist, was detained at Logan Airport while en route to America to teach at Brown University. Despite holding a valid H1B work visa, her detention and deportation raised serious concerns about adherence to legal protocols by the Department of Homeland Security. A subsequent hearing is scheduled to address the situation.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese doctor hired as an assistant professor of medicine at Brown University, was detained upon her arrival at Boston’s Logan International Airport on March 13. She possessed a valid H1B work visa issued just two days prior. An accomplished kidney transplant specialist, Dr. Alawieh has trained at prestigious institutions including the University of Washington and Yale University.

The detention of Dr. Rasha Alawieh raises significant concerns regarding immigration protocol and the treatment of highly qualified individuals seeking to contribute to the U.S. medical field. The lack of clarity from DHS regarding the underlying reasons for her detention and the subsequent deportation, despite a court order, highlights potential deficiencies in adherence to legal processes. Her case reinforces the complexity and urgency surrounding immigration practices in academic environments.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com