Muslim cleric is in US court fighting against deportation

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — 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.

Goura also said imams were banned by Jordanian law from talking about politics, and that they could only be hired after a background check by Jordanian intelligence and security agencies.