Indian Student Ranjani Srinivasan Self-Deports After US Visa Revoked Over Pro-Palestine Protests

An Indian student at Columbia University has self-deported after her visa was revoked for allegedly advocating for violence and terrorism, and involvement in activities supporting Hamas and terrorism and supporting Hamas. 

The US Department of State revoked her visa on March 5. The Department of Homeland Security later confirmed that the student, named Srinivasan, used the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App to arrange her departure on March 11. 

This follows the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist involved in organising student protests at the university, who is now facing deportation. 

Immigration authorities have also arrested a second person, Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian from the West Bank who participated in the pro-Palestinian protests and revoked the visa of another student, as reported on Friday, March 14, 2025.

ALSO READ: No Longer Welcome: US Expels South African Ambassador, Says He Hates Trump

Who is Ranjani Srinivasan? 

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian citizen, entered the United States on an F-1 student visa to pursue a doctoral degree in Urban Planning at Columbia University, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security on Friday. The statement also mentioned that Srinivasan was involved in activities that supported Hamas, which is recognised as a terrorist organisation. 

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in the statement that it is a "privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America". 

She added, "When someone advocates for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be taken away, and they should not be allowed to remain in this country. I am glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathiser use the CBP Home app self-deport." 

What is the CBP Home App? 

The CBP Home app, launched by the Department of Homeland Security on 10 March, allows individuals staying in the country illegally to report their plans to leave. 

Through this app, they can submit their intent to depart voluntarily. It offers an option to leave immediately and self-deport, which may give them a chance to return legally in the future. However, if they do not go on their own, authorities will take action to deport them, and they will not be allowed to return, according to the Department of Homeland Security. 

Columbia University Federal Grants: 

Last week, the Trump administration cut approximately USD 400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the institution’s lack of action against the ongoing harassment of Jewish students. 

The decision was made by the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration as part of the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. 

Trump stated that any college or university that allows unlawful protests and fails to protect students from anti-Semitic harassment will lose federal funding. 

Pro-Palestinian Protests in the US 

Last spring, large-scale pro-Palestinian student protests against the war in Gaza took place across university campuses in the United States, including Columbia University. Since April 19, demonstrators have set up encampments on the West Lawn of Columbia’s Morningside campus. 

On Thursday, Columbia University’s Judicial Board announced punishments for students involved in the occupation of Hamilton Hall during the protests. These include suspensions lasting several years, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions. 

The board also reviewed other incidents from last spring and upheld previous disciplinary actions. The University Life Office will oversee the return of suspended students. Columbia has stated that it remains committed to enforcing its rules and improving its disciplinary processes. 

ALSO READ: 'Had it Looking Beautiful': Trump Says He Didn't Want PM Modi to See Graffiti, Potholes During US Visit