Mon Mar 17 04:59:59 UTC 2025: ## Indian Doctoral Student Self-Deports from US After Visa Revoked Over Pro-Palestine Activism
**New York, NY** – Ranjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old Indian doctoral student at Columbia University, has self-deported from the United States after their student visa was revoked. The U.S. Department of State cancelled Srinivasan’s visa on March 5th, citing security concerns and alleged support for Hamas.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled Srinivasan a “terrorist sympathizer” on social media, stating that individuals who advocate terrorism and violence should not remain in the U.S.
Srinivasan, who is now in Canada, described their experience as a “dystopian nightmare.” They told the New York Times that their social media activity largely consisted of liking and sharing posts highlighting human rights violations in the Gaza war. Srinivasan expressed surprise at being targeted, stating, “I’m kind of a rando.”
The decision to self-deport followed a visit from federal immigration officials to Srinivasan’s home, prompting fears for their safety. Srinivasan chose to leave voluntarily rather than face deportation, leaving behind their cat with a friend.
Srinivasan, who uses they/them pronouns, was pursuing a doctorate in urban planning and had received funding from the Lakshmi Mittal South Asia Institute for their research on land-labor relations in India. Their impressive academic background includes degrees from CEPT University, Harvard University (with Fulbright Nehru and Inlaks Scholarships), and previous work with environmental advocacy nonprofits and research institutions. Their research interests focus on urbanization, the political economy of development, and historical geographies of capitalism and caste. Columbia University’s website confirms this information.
This incident highlights concerns about the potential impact of social media activity on immigration status and the implications of political activism for international students in the U.S.
First Piper 