After initial denial of entry to US, Palestinian student arrives at Harvard

BOSTON — A Palestinian student originally denied entry to the United States just days before he was scheduled to start classes at Harvard University has been admitted to the country.

The family of Ismail Ajjawi, currently living in Lebanon, says in a statement: “We truly appreciate the efforts of so many individuals and officials in Lebanon, Washington, Massachusetts and at Harvard that have made it possible for our son Ismail Ajjawi to begin his studies at Harvard.”

Ajjawi was denied entry August 23 after spending eight hours in Boston Logan International Airport. The 17-year-old freshman said the denial had to do with politically oriented social media posts by friends.

Amideast, a nonprofit that awarded Ajjawi a scholarship, says the US Embassy in Beirut reviewed Ajjawi’s case and resissued his visa.

— AP