Ranjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old Indian student who followed a doctorate in city planning at Columbia University, was forced to escape the United States after her student visa had been withdrawn. The US Department of Foreign Affairs canceled its visa on 5 March, with reference to safety problems with regard to its alleged involvement in activities that support Hamas.
The problems of Srinivasan started when she became entangled in the government's action against pro-Palestinian protests. Although no evidence was provided, she was accused of supporting violence and ties with Hamas. The situation escalated when federal immigration agents arrived in her apartment, making her a quick decision to leave the country.
In an interview with the New York Times, Srinivasan expressed her fear and uncertainty and explained: “The atmosphere seemed so volatile and dangerous.” She also shared her worries about the harsh action of the government against free expression and said: “I am afraid that even the lowest political speech … Can change in this dystopian nightmare where someone calls you a terrorist sympathizer and literally scares your life and safety.”
Srinivasan's decision to flee came after a night of fear and uncertainty. She packed her possessions, left her cat behind and jumped on a flight to Canada looking for safety. Her roommate was left to manage the pressure while immigration agents continued to look for her.
The US Department of Interior Security (DHS) announced that Srinivasan had voluntarily deported itself with the help of the BP Home app. The American Minister of Interior Security Kristi Noem stated: “It is a privilege to get a visa to live and study in the United States of America. If you argue for violence and terrorism, that privilege must be withdrawn, and you should not be in this country.”
It is a privilege to get a visa to live and study in the United States of America.
If you argue for violence and terrorism, that privilege must be withdrawn and you should not be in this country.
I am happy to see one of the terrorist sympathizers of Columbia University … pic.twitter.com/jr2uvvkgcm
– Kristi secretary (@Sec_Noem) March 14, 2025
The academic background of Srinivasan is impressive, with an M.phil in urban planning from Columbia University, a master in Harvard University design and a bachelor in design of Cept University in India. Her research focuses on national relationships in the peri-urbane areas of India, with academic interests in political economy, country politics and workers' sociology.
The incident emphasizes the strict position of the US government with regard to national security and immigration policy. The Srinivasan case has received attention in the midst of a larger investigation by individuals and organizations that are reportedly supporting Hamas. Visa withholds for security reasons have become more frequent, as a result of the efforts of the government to enforce visa instructions and to prevent persons that it regards as a security threat in the country.
