'Seek Help, Abide by Local Law ': Government Issues Guidelines for Indian Students in US | Know Full Advisory

New Delhi: The Indian government has advised its citizens in the US to comply with American laws after a postdoctoral researcher was arrested and another student self-deported to Canada.

The two students are Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, who has been accused of spreading "Hamas propaganda" and detained by US authorities. On the other hand, Ranjini Srinivasan, a Columbia University student, had to self-deport for participating in "pro-Hamas" protests. Suri's deportation from the US has been halted by a US federal judge.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the two students did not contact the Indian embassies in the US for assistance.

In his weekly press briefing, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, on Friday, said the Indian embassy and missions in the US will assist students facing any difficulties.

The MEA spokesperson further said that visa and immigration matters are the sole prerogative of the respective countries and lie within a country's sovereign functions.

"When it comes to visa and immigration policy, it is something that lies within the sovereign functions of a country," he said.

Jaiswal emphasized that India expects all foreigners in the country to abide by the laws, just as it expects Indian nationals to comply with laws abroad.

"We, on our side, expect that when foreign nationals come to India, they abide by our laws and regulations. Similarly, it is our expectation that when Indian nationals are abroad, they must also comply with local laws and regulations," he said.

Speaking on Suri's arrest, Jaiswal said neither the US government nor he has approached the US embassy.

"We are given to understand through media reports that this particular individual has been detained."

"Neither the US government nor this individual has approached us or the embassy. So, this is what we understand," he said.

On Ranjani Srinivasan's self-deportation case, the MEA stated, "We only came to know of her departure from the US from media reports. We understand that she has gone to Canada."

Srinivasan went to the US for further education on an F-1 student visa. The Department of State had revoked her visa on March 5, and she used the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App to self-deport on March 11.

Jaiswal said that a large number of students are studying in American universities and that India is continuously working to strengthen educational ties with the US.

"The knowledge partnership and participation of our students, or the enrollment of our students in US universities, and the expansion of the knowledge partnership is an important element in our relationship, and we want to foster these ties further."

"If an Indian student is facing any problem, the consulate or the embassy is there to help them with their well-being and safety. We would continue to assist any Indian student who would like a helping hand. Our consulate and our government, the embassy, are there to help them out," he added.

Jaiswal reiterated that Indian missions are available to help the students.

Guidelines Indians Should Be Aware of in the US

The Consulate General of India states these guidelines should be followed once after reaching the US:

1. Student registration: Indian students are advised to register at the Embassy/Consulate website, based on their location.

2. Know the University/Institution: Understand various services offered by your university and avail of them. Generally, most of these services are funded from tuition fees. Inquire about them at the International Student Services Office.

3. Know your surroundings: It is important to know and avoid neighborhoods that are not well-lit and places that are known locally as ‘shady’. Do not venture out late at night to such areas. Move around in groups or at least with a few friends, if you must.

4. Remain connected: Be in touch with the Embassy/Consulates, local mentors/guardians, and Indian community organizations. Update your whereabouts with family and close friends, especially when moving outside alone.

5. Abide by local law: Take general precautions and abide by local laws and regulations, including aspects related to student life in the US, while driving or undertaking recreational activities (For example – wearing seatbelts even if sitting in the rear; not driving/swimming in an inebriated condition; using life jackets during boating; dressing adequately to avoid hypothermia, etc.). Avoid substance abuse.

6. Seek help if depressed/anxious: It is natural to feel lonely while being in a new environment, away from home. Share your feelings with family, fellow students, and teachers, and feel free to connect with the Embassy/Consulates. Do not hesitate to call for professional help or seek university services if you are feeling depressed or having an anxiety attack.

7. Medical insurance: Make sure you have valid and adequate medical insurance during your stay in the United States, preferably as recommended by the University.

8. Keep your Personal Information and Documents Safe: Keep your personal details safe, including your bank account and credit card details, as they can be easily misused. Be very careful about the storage of documents such as passports/visas, identification, immigration forms, etc.

9. Beware of Money Mules: Anyone can be approached by money mules, but criminals often target students. Beware of such people, social networking scams, and telephone calls requesting your personal information and/or bank account details for money transfers.

For People in Jobs: They are advised to engage only in jobs that comply with their visa status. Permissions required may be obtained in advance from appropriate authorities before engaging in any type of internship/employment. Some information in this context could be found here. Avoid working in unsafe environments.