By Jonathan Allen JENA, Louisiana (Reuters) -A U.S. immigration judge ruled on Friday that Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported, allowing President Donald Trump's administration to proceed with its effort to remove the Columbia University student from the United States a month after his arrest in New York City.

While an immigration judge’s ruling that Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil – a legal permanent resident – can be deported is a victory for the Trump administration, the legal fight against his detention and deportation is far from over.

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.