Indian Student Ranjini Srinivas’ Visa Canceled for Supporting Palestinians
Washington, 15 March – (www.deccanlive.com): An Indian student, Ranjani Srinivasan, studying at Columbia University in the United States, has had her visa canceled. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Ranjani of “promoting violence and terrorism” and participating in activities supporting Palestine. After her visa was canceled, Ranjani left the United States.
According to DHS, Ranjani was admitted to Columbia University for a PhD in Urban Planning under an F-1 student visa. The U.S. Department of State canceled her visa on March 5. Ranjani left the U.S. on March 11.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said that anyone supporting violence and terrorism should not be allowed to stay in the country.
Trump Administration Stops $400 Million Aid to Columbia University
The Trump administration took strict action against Columbia University last week by stopping $400 million (approximately ₹33 billion) in aid. The administration accused the university of failing to protect Jewish students from harassment.
A joint task force of the U.S. Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice, and General Services Administration took this action.
President Donald Trump warned that universities allowing protests and failing to protect Jewish students would not receive federal grants (financial aid).
The Columbia University Judicial Board took strict action against students involved in occupying Hamilton Hall during protests over the Gaza issue.
Palestinian Student and Protesters Arrested
U.S. immigration authorities arrested a Palestinian student from the West Bank, Leka Cordia. Leka had been staying in the U.S. on an expired student visa since 2022. She was detained in April 2024 for participating in pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University.
Additionally, the Trump administration arrested a Columbia University graduate student, Mahmoud Khalil, for participating in anti-Israel protests. Immigration authorities have sent Khalil to a detention center. Khalil is of Palestinian origin and a permanent U.S. resident.
