Indian Columbia University Student Self-Deports After US Revokes Visa Over Palestine Protests
An Indian doctoral student at Columbia University, Ranjani Srinivasan, has voluntarily left the United States after her student visa was revoked by US authorities due to her participation in pro-Palestine demonstrations. The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Ms Srinivasan’s visa was canceled on March 5, citing her involvement in activities viewed as supporting Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live & 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’m glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathizers… pic.twitter.com/jR2uVVKGCM
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) March 14, 2025
Ranjani Srinivasan, a doctoral candidate specializing in urban planning at Columbia, left the US voluntarily using an app provided by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on March 11. By choosing this form of departure—termed “self-deportation”—she avoided mandatory deportation procedures typically carried out through US military aircraft, which have recently delivered other deportees back to their home countries, including India.
Homeland Security’s Strong Statement
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the issue publicly, stating clearly that visa privileges in the United States do not extend indefinitely, especially when the activities of visa holders pose concerns about national security. Secretary Noem specifically described Ms Srinivasan as a “terrorist sympathizer,” expressing satisfaction at the student’s voluntary departure via a self-reporting process on the Customs and Border Protection’s mobile application.
Noem’s comments emphasize the administration’s broader immigration policy stance, underscoring a tough approach to visa enforcement when foreign nationals become involved in politically sensitive demonstrations.
Srinivasan’s Academic Background and Activism
Prior to this controversy, Srinivasan had been pursuing a doctoral degree in urban planning at Columbia University’s prestigious School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. She previously engaged in research projects addressing climate risks in vulnerable frontier communities and worked as a researcher at MIT’s West Philadelphia Landscape Project.
Srinivasan, identifying with gender-neutral pronouns, earned recognition within academic and activist circles, supported by scholarships and prestigious academic awards.
Columbia University: A Centre of Pro-Palestine Activism
Columbia University has emerged as a prominent hub for student protests related to the Palestine issue, often putting the institution and its student activists at odds with US immigration policy. Recently, two other Columbia students have been similarly impacted: Leqaa Kordia, previously arrested for visa violations following her involvement in pro-Palestine protests, and Mahmoud Khalil, whose deportation was temporarily paused despite similar charges.
These developments highlight the growing tension at American campuses, where immigration authorities are increasingly scrutinizing student activism and demonstrations, particularly those linked to international conflicts.
Wider Implications and Future of Immigration Policy
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has underscored the intensifying stance of US authorities on immigration compliance, particularly regarding political protests. Blanche emphasized that adherence to immigration rules remains a priority for the current administration, suggesting that institutions like Columbia University might witness increased scrutiny.
Amid these unfolding events, the case of Ranjani Srinivasan has triggered a fresh discussion around freedom of expression, national security concerns, and immigration regulations. Advocates for immigrant rights have raised concerns about the potential chilling effects on student activism and academic freedom, while authorities maintain the necessity of stringent immigration enforcement for national security.
The Broader Context
The revocation of Srinivasan’s visa aligns with a broader trend observed in recent months, reflecting the Trump administration’s renewed emphasis on stringent immigration policies. With ongoing investigations and debates around immigration and security, cases such as Srinivasan’s highlight the complexities that international students face in navigating their studies and activism in the United States.
As US authorities continue to underline national security considerations, foreign nationals and institutions hosting them may face heightened regulatory oversight, reshaping dynamics around immigration, protest rights, and academic freedom.
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