Ranjani Srinivasan, a 37 -year -old Indian student who earned a doctoral degree in urban planning at Columbia University, was forced to flee the United States after canceling his student visa. The US State Department canceled its visa on 5 March, which cited security concerns related to his perceived involvement in Hamas -supporting activities.
The trouble of Srinivasan began when it got entangled in the government’s rift over anti -Palestinian protests. No evidence is being given, he was accused of supporting violence and links for Hamas. When the federal immigration agent reached his apartment, the situation increased, inspiring him to take a sharp decision to leave the country.
In an interview with The New York Times, Srinivasan expressed his fear and uncertainty, saying, “The atmosphere looked so unstable and dangerous.” He also shared his concerns about the rift of the government on free speech, saying, “I am afraid that even the lowest-level political speech … This dystopian may turn into a nightmare, where someone is calling you a terrorist sympathetic and, literally, making you fear for your life and your safety”.
Srinivasan’s decision to escape came after one night’s fear and uncertainty. He packed his belongings, left his cat and jumped on a Canadian flight in search of security. His roommate was left to manage pressure as the immigration agents continued to search for him.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Srinivasan voluntarily had voluntarily used the CBP home app. The US Secretary of Homeland Security Christie NoM said, “This is a privilege to stay in the United States and study Visa. When you advocate violence and terrorism, that privilege should be canceled, and you should not be in this country”.
Visa to stay and study in the United States is a privilege.
When you advocate violence and terrorism that privilege should be canceled and you should not be in this country.
I was happy to see one of the terrorist sympathy of Columbia University … pic.twitter.com/jr2uvvkgcm
– Secretary Christie Nom (@Sec_noem) March 14, 2025
Srinivasan’s educational background is impressive, with an MPhil in urban planning from the University of Columbia, a master in design from the University of Harvard, and a graduate from CEPT University in India. His research focuses on land-labor relations in the peri-urban areas of India with educational interests in political economy, land politics and labor sociology.
The incident highlights the strict trend of the US government on national security and immigration policies. The case of Srinivasan has drew attention amid the investigation of individuals and organizations who allegedly supported Hamas. The visa rebellion for security reasons has become more frequent, reflecting the government’s efforts to implement visa rules and prevent individuals that consider security threat from remaining in the country.