An Indian citizen involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University has left the United States, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Officials confirmed that Ranjani Srinivasan self-deported after her visa was revoked by the State Department last week. A video released by the department shows Srinivasan at an airport, rushing down a jetway with her bags. Homeland Security said she departed on Tuesday.
Another student, Leqaa Kordia, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for violating the terms of her student visa. Homeland Security revealed that Kordia’s visa had been terminated in 2022 due to “lack of attendance.” Like Srinivasan, Kordia also participated in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized such actions, stating, “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.”
Columbia University has become a hotspot for heated protests following Hamas' brutal attack on Israel in October 2023. These demonstrations have drawn attention from federal authorities and sparked a debate about free speech and national security. The Biden administration has been accused of allowing chaos to unfold, but President Donald Trump’s leadership team has taken decisive steps to crack down on the protesters and even the university itself. Officials stated the school failed to protect Jewish students during the unrest.
One of the administration’s primary targets is Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student and legal permanent resident, who was arrested and now faces deportation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Khalil’s presence in the U.S. to be against foreign policy interests. Khalil, who disputes these claims, argues that his arrest is an attack on immigrants’ First Amendment rights. Supporters like Syracuse University scholar Austin Kocher emphasize that Khalil has not been charged with any crime and say his detention is solely based on his participation in the student protests. Kocher wrote, “Mahmoud is a lawful immigrant who has been neither charged with a crime nor alleged to have committed any crime; instead, the entire basis of his detention and possible deportation is Mahmoud’s role in student protests at Columbia University.”
Homeland Security has labeled Srinivasan, Kordia, and Khalil as engaging in “pro-Hamas” behavior or supporting Hamas. However, their defenders insist their actions were in support of Palestinians, rejecting claims that they advocated for Hamas or terrorism. This distinction has fueled ongoing debate about whether these demonstrations constitute protected speech or harmful rhetoric.
In a move designed to streamline enforcement, Homeland Security revealed that Srinivasan used CBP Home, a new app aimed at assisting illegal immigrants in voluntarily leaving the U.S. This app replaced the controversial CBP One, previously used by the Biden administration to admit over a million unauthorized migrants through questionable parole powers.
The issue of student protests, free speech, and national security continues to divide public opinion. What do you think about these actions by Homeland Security and the Trump administration? Should visa holders participating in protests face deportation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
