Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese doctor studying and working with Brown Medicine in Rhode Island, has been denied reentry to the United States following a brief trip to Lebanon. Dr. Alawieh had been residing in the U.S. for the past six years on an H-1B visa, which is designated for individuals in specialty professions requiring advanced expertise.

The reason for her denied reentry remains unclear, especially since her visa would have permitted her to remain in the country until mid-2027. A complaint has been filed by one of her cousins, alleging “unlawful detention without justification and denial of access to counsel.” Dr. Alawieh is expected to return to Lebanon today.

This incident has sparked concern within Arab communities in the U.S., particularly among those holding special visas or green cards. Many individuals had planned to visit their families during the upcoming summer. Additionally, there are reports indicating that the Trump administration is considering a travel ban on dozens of countries, with an initial list including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea. Fortunately, as of now, Lebanon does not appear to be included in the list of targeted countries for this ban.