In a recent development, an Indian student named Ranjani Srinivasan, who was studying at Columbia University in New York, has voluntarily left the United States. This decision came after her student visa was revoked by the U.S. Department of State on March 5, 2025. The revocation was due to allegations that she supported Hamas, a group considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, and participated in pro-Palestine protests.
Who is Ranjani Srinivasan?
Ranjani Srinivasan is an Indian national who was pursuing her doctoral degree in Urban Planning at Columbia University. She is a Fulbright scholar with a strong academic background, holding an M.Phil in Urban Planning from Columbia University, a Master’s in Design from Harvard University, and a Bachelor’s in Design from CEPT University in India. Her research focuses on land-labour relations in peri-urban India, political economy, and spatial politics.
Why Was Her Visa Revoked?
The U.S. government accused Ranjani of advocating for violence and terrorism through her support of Hamas. This led to the revocation of her visa, which was part of a broader crackdown on foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests across U.S. college campuses.
The Self-Deportation Process
Ranjani Srinivasan used the CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11, 2025. This app allows individuals to declare their intent to leave the United States voluntarily, avoiding potential legal complications or forced deportation. The Department of Homeland Security obtained video footage of her departure, which was shared by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Statement from Homeland Security Secretary
Secretary Noem emphasized that living and studying in the U.S. is a privilege that should not be extended to those who support terrorism.
She stated, "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. I am glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathizers use the CBP Home app to self-deport".
Context of Pro-Palestine Protests
Columbia University has been a focal point for pro-Palestine protests, which have been ongoing in the U.S. since 2024. These protests have sometimes turned violent, leading to arrests and increased scrutiny of foreign students involved in such activities. Another student, Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian from the West Bank, was arrested in Newark for overstaying her visa, which had expired in January 2022.
Implications and Reactions
The revocation of Ranjani Srinivasan's visa and her subsequent self-deportation highlight the U.S. government's stance on foreign students involved in political activities deemed supportive of terrorism. This incident also underscores the challenges faced by international students in the U.S. who engage in political activism, particularly in sensitive geopolitical issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Conclusion
Ranjani Srinivasan's case serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks associated with political activism for international students in the United States. As the U.S. continues to monitor and respond to foreign students' involvement in protests, it remains crucial for students to understand the implications of their actions on their legal status in the country.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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