New Jersey Muslim cleric fights deportation [View all]

NEWARK - The leader of one of New Jersey’s largest mosques, who is accused of lying on his green card application, was in court Monday to fight deportation.

Imam Mohammad Qatanani, the leader of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, didn’t disclose being convicted in Israel for being a member of Hamas, federal officials have said.

Qatanani denies that he was ever a member of Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. He says that he was only detained — like many others at the time — and was never told that he was convicted of anything. He also said he was subjected to physical and mental abuse while in detention.

Eight years ago, a judge ruled against immigration authorities’ attempt to have him deported.

Read more: http://www.app.com/story/news/local/communitychange/2016/12/05/nj-muslim-clerm-fights-deportation/95025062/