A viral post has urged international students to exercise caution before joining any WhatsApp group, citing the case of an Indian student being denied entry to the US due to WhatsApp activity. The post did not say what exactly happened, but claimed that a student who was returning to the US from India after summer vacations was deported back to India. This happened when an officer tried to check the student’s phone. The post claimed that the student was a member of a WhatsApp group that was sharing “ride-related information and assignment-related material.”The post also said that they were not sure whether the WhatsApp group itself was the only cause of concern.The claim made by the social media post has not been independently verified by TOI.“Yesterday, I spoke to a student who said he was denied entry and deported back to India after arriving at the Atlanta airport. According to him, officials examined his phone, including his WhatsApp conversations. He told me he did nothing wrong, but he was a member of a WhatsApp group that was sharing ride-related information and assignment-related content. I cannot verify if this was the real reason for the decision, and only the reason for the decision, and only Only immigration officials know the full facts,” the post claimed.
An Indian student was denied entry to the US after an officer at the Atlanta airport checked his WhatsApp, a social media post claimed.
“The student is on an F1 visa and still has about six months left to complete his studies. He had gone to India for a month-long summer vacation and was returning to the US when it happened,” the post said.A checklist for students has also been provided in the post shared on NRI Group:Be careful about the WhatsApp, Telegram and social media groups you join.Know what is being shared in those groups.Avoid participating in or remaining in groups that share illegal or inappropriate content.Keep your online presence professional and responsible, especially when traveling internationally.If immigration officials ask to inspect your equipment, cooperate respectfully and answer honestly.