Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian pursuing PhD at Columbia University, ‘self-deported’ from the US after her student visa was revoked last week. The US Department of Homeland Security recently launched the CBP Home app that has a ‘self deport’ feature. Here’s how it works
Who is Ranjani Srinivasan?
Ranjani Srinivasan is an Indian PhD student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, New York. She came to the US on an F-1 student visa to continue her studies.
Before moving to the US, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Design from CEPT University in Ahmedabad, India. Later, she received Fulbright Nehru and Inlaks Scholarships to study at Harvard University, where she pursued a master’s degree in Critical Conservation.
Srinivasan’s research focuses on topics like land ownership, labor rights, and economic development in South Asia. She has also worked as a researcher for different organizations, including the West Philadelphia Landscape Project at MIT and other international development agencies.
Why Was Her Visa Canceled?
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) canceled Srinivasan’s student visa on March 5, 2025. The reason given was that she was involved in pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University last year. The US government accused her of supporting Hamas, a group the US considers a terrorist organization. Officials claimed that she advocated for violence and terrorism during these protests.
Because of these allegations, her visa was revoked, and she was no longer allowed to stay in the US legally.
What is Self-Deportation and How Did She Leave?
After losing her visa status, Srinivasan decided to self-deport, which means she chose to leave the US voluntarily instead of waiting to be forcefully deported.
She used a new mobile application called CBP Home, launched by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This app allows people whose visas are revoked or have expired to report their departure to the US government. According to DHS, Srinivasan used the app on March 11, 2025, to complete her self-deportation process.
Who Else Has Been Affected?
Srinivasan is not the only international student facing legal action in the US. Recently, other students have also been arrested or had their visas canceled due to their involvement in protests.
- Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, was arrested by US immigration officers for overstaying her student visa.
- Mahmoud Khalil, another Palestinian student activist at Columbia, was also arrested. He played a major role in pro-Palestinian protests at the university and is now facing deportation.
What Does This Mean for International Students?
The case of Ranjani Srinivasan and other students highlights how student visas can be revoked if the US government believes a student is involved in activities it considers dangerous.
While the F-1 visa allows international students to study in the US, it also has strict rules. If a student is accused of breaking these rules—especially in cases related to national security or political activism—they can be deported or forced to leave the country.
Conclusion
The self-deportation of Ranjani Srinivasan has sparked debate on the rights of international students and freedom of speech in the US. Some argue that students should be allowed to express their political opinions without fear of deportation, while others believe that governments have the right to remove individuals they see as a threat.
This case also raises concerns about immigration policies and student activism, especially in politically sensitive times. As global tensions rise, international students must be cautious about how their actions may affect their legal status. The situation continues to unfold, and it remains to be seen how future policies will impact students studying in the US.
FAQs on Ranjani Srinivasan’s Self-Deportation
- Who is Ranjani Srinivasan?
She is an Indian PhD student at Columbia University who was studying in the US on an F-1 visa. - Why was her visa canceled?
The US revoked her visa for alleged support of Hamas and involvement in pro-Palestine protests. - What is self-deportation?
It means voluntarily leaving a country instead of being forcibly deported by authorities. - How did she self-deport?
She used the CBP Home app, launched by US Homeland Security, to report her departure. - What does this mean for international students?
It highlights how student visas can be revoked for activities deemed a security threat.
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