Categories
Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student at Columbia University, has departed the United States following the revocation of her student visa by the Department of State. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Srinivasan’s visa was canceled on March 5, 2025, due to her alleged involvement in activities supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. She utilized the CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11, 2025.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem commented on the situation, stating, “It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America. When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country.”
Srinivasan was pursuing a doctorate in Urban Planning at Columbia University. Her departure is part of a broader federal Indian crackdown on individuals allegedly supporting terrorist organizations. This includes the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia student, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on charges related to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
Additionally, Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student from the West Bank, was arrested by ICE for overstaying her student visa,Indian
which had been terminated in January 2022 due to lack of attendance. Kordia had previously participated in pro-Hamas protests at Columbia University.
These actions come amid heightened federal scrutiny of Columbia University, with the institution facing significant funding cuts over its handling of campus protests and allegations of antisemitism.
The situation has sparked a debate over free speech and the extent of government authority in addressing alleged support for terrorist organizations within academic institutions.
