Indian Student at Columbia Self-Deports Following Visa Cancellation by Trump Administration
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, has self-deported from the United States after her visa was revoked by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS confirmed her departure, with a video showing Srinivasan rushing through an airport jetway with luggage before leaving on Tuesday. The Washington Times first reported her exit, citing DHS sources.
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
Srinivasan’s visa was revoked last week by the U.S. State Department, which accused her of "advocating for violence and terrorism," though no specific evidence was provided. Her self-deportation follows a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on foreign nationals linked to pro-Palestinian demonstrations held last year.
Federal Investigations Target Columbia University
The U.S. Justice Department is also investigating whether Columbia University concealed the presence of undocumented immigrants on campus, part of President Trump's efforts to curb anti-Israel protests, which his administration has labeled as support for Hamas. Federal agents executed a search warrant at two Columbia University residences on Thursday evening, although no arrests were made.
Columbia University has been heavily scrutinized and has faced severe financial penalties. The Trump administration recently revoked $400 million in federal grants from the university due to its handling of last spring’s protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Other Arrests Linked to Protests
Another protester, Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman arrested during protests outside Columbia University last April, was detained for overstaying her visa. The university confirmed that Kordia was not an enrolled student and had no record of being arrested on campus.
Self-Deportation Through New DHS App
Srinivasan, who was on an F-1 student visa, reportedly left the U.S. voluntarily using the newly launched DHS app, CBP Home. The app allows undocumented immigrants to self-report their departure from the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing Srinivasan at LaGuardia Airport with her suitcase.
The aggressive measures against foreign protesters, part of the Trump administration’s stance against antisemitism and pro-Hamas demonstrations, have sparked both praise and criticism. This crackdown continues to fuel debates over immigration policies and free speech on U.S. campuses.
