A Christian Letter of Support for Mohsen Mahdawi

As Christian individuals and organizations from across the United States, we write to express our support for Mohsen Mahdawi and to stand in solidarity with him as he faces deportation from the country he has called home for more than a decade.

We come from many denominations, theological traditions, and political perspectives. We do not agree on every issue related to Israel and Palestine, nor do we share identical views on public policy. Yet we are united in the conviction that no person should face detention or deportation because of their peaceful expression of political beliefs or advocacy. The freedoms of speech, conscience, and peaceful dissent are foundational to our democracy and essential to the flourishing of a just society. The immigration system should not be used as a vehicle for retaliation.

Mohsen Mahdawi is a stateless Palestinian who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank before coming to the United States in pursuit of education and opportunity. Throughout his more than a decade in this country, he has become known to many as a voice committed to dialogue, nonviolence, and the pursuit of a just peace. Mohsen has been a tireless advocate for human rights and just peace in many spheres, including sharing his powerful witness as a keynote speaker at the 2026 Christian Summit for Just Peace in Palestine. Now, it is time we come together to advocate for him.

The use of immigration enforcement to punish or deter constitutionally protected political expression threatens not only Mohsen's future, but also the freedoms upon which our nation depends. If lawful permanent residents can be targeted because of their viewpoints or peaceful advocacy, the rights of all who seek to participate in public discourse are weakened.

We are also deeply concerned about the humanitarian implications of deporting a stateless Palestinian to a region marked by ongoing conflict, instability, and profound uncertainty. The situation in the West Bank, including Israeli settler and military violence against Palestinians, expansion of illegal settlements and appropriation of Palestinian land, and an intensification of military occupation, is as difficult as it has been in recent history.

Such action as deportation would place an already vulnerable individual at significant risk and would undermine our nation's longstanding commitment to justice, due process, and the protection of human rights.  As Christians, we believe that justice and mercy are not competing values but inseparable callings. We therefore affirm our support for Mohsen Mahdawi and his right to due process under the law. We call for the immediate termination of the deportation proceedings against him and urge our nation's leaders to ensure that immigration laws are never weaponized to suppress peaceful political speech or advocacy.

In standing with Mohsen, we also stand for the constitutional freedoms, human dignity, and biblical principles that call us to protect the vulnerable, defend the oppressed, and seek justice for all.

Learn more about Mohsen Mahdawi here or sign up for his newsletter here.