New York: Ranjani Srinivasan, a doctoral student at Columbia University from India, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked by the Department of State.
The revocation followed her participation in pro-Palestine protests, which authorities allege included support for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.
It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live & study in the United States of America.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) March 14, 2025
When you advocate for violence and terrorism that privilege should be revoked and you should not be in this country.
I’m glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathizers… pic.twitter.com/jR2uVVKGCM
Key Facts:
- Visa Revocation: On March 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State revoked Srinivasan's F-1 student visa, citing involvement in activities supporting Hamas.
- Self-Deportation: Srinivasan departed the U.S. on March 11, 2025, utilizing the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App to process her exit.
- Government Stance: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that advocating for violence and terrorism invalidates the privilege of residing in the U.S.
The sequence of events began with the Department of State's decision to revoke Srinivasan's visa, alleging her participation in activities supporting Hamas.
Following this, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that Srinivasan utilized the CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a video on social media depicting Srinivasan at the airport during her departure.
Noem remarked, "When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked and you should not be in this country."
This incident has sparked discussions on the balance between free speech and national security.
While universities are traditionally spaces for diverse viewpoints, the government's actions indicate a stringent approach toward activities perceived as supporting designated terrorist organizations.
The situation underscores the complexities international students may face when engaging in political activism within the U.S.
Do You Know?
The CBP Home App allows individuals to process certain aspects of their travel, including self-deportation procedures, streamlining interactions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Key Terms:
F-1 Student Visa: A non-immigrant visa allowing international students to pursue academic studies in the United States.
Self-Deportation: The process by which an individual voluntarily leaves a country, often following legal or administrative directives.