Indian PhD Student at Columbia University Self-Deports After Visa Revocation

An Indian PhD student at Columbia University has left the United States after the Trump administration revoked her visa over allegations of supporting Hamas and advocating for violence and terrorism.

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian national, was pursuing a doctoral degree in Urban Planning at Columbia University. According to a statement released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday, she had entered the US on an F-1 student visa.

The US Department of State revoked Srinivasan’s visa on March 5, citing her alleged involvement in activities supporting Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the US government. Following the revocation, she self-deported and departed from the country.

The case has drawn significant attention, with debates surrounding academic freedom, immigration policies, and national security. While officials have maintained that the decision was based on security concerns, supporters of Srinivasan argue that the allegations remain unclear and require further transparency.

As discussions continue, this incident underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by international students in the US, particularly in politically sensitive cases. Columbia University has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.