NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
New York, NY, March 14, 2025: Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian national and doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, recently had her U.S. student visa revoked over allegations of “advocating for violence and terrorism”. Srinivasan, who was on an F-1 student visa, faced the revocation on March 5, 2025, following an investigation by the U.S. Department of State.
While details of her specific actions remain undisclosed, the State Department cited national security concerns as the reason for her removal. On March 11, Srinivasan reportedly self-deported for Canada using the CBP Home App, a digital platform that allows individuals to confirm their departure from the United States.
Srinivasan’s supporters have voiced concerns about the circumstances surrounding her visa revocation, arguing that her activism focused on advocating for Palestinian rights rather than endorsing violence. Columbia University has yet to issue a public statement addressing the matter.
This incident has drawn widespread attention, particularly in academic and South Asian communities. Srinivasan had been an active member of student groups focused on social justice and human rights, and her peers have described her as a dedicated scholar committed to peaceful dialogue.
The revocation of Srinivasan’s visa follows heightened scrutiny of university campuses amid rising tensions over Middle East conflicts. In separate incidents, Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, was arrested for overstaying her visa, while Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and U.S. permanent resident, was detained for his alleged involvement in pro-Hamas activities.
It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live & study in the United States of America.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) March 14, 2025
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
Photo of Srinivasan courtesy: Columbia University website.
1 comment
I remember foreign students on Student Visa were advised not join protests against Vietnam War.