A Louisiana immigration judge has ruled that the U.S. can deport Mahmoud Khalil based on the federal government’s argument that he poses a national security risk. His lawyers are expected to appeal, and a federal judge in New Jersey has temporarily barred Khalil’s removal from the country.

Judge Jamee Comans decided Friday that the Trump administration can move forward with its plan to deport Khalil, who was arrested by immigration officials last month as part of a crackdown on student protesters it claims support Hamas.

Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and green card holder from Syria, was arrested by immigration officials in March over his involvement in an on-campus pro-Palestinian protest last year.