The Indian government has urged its students in the United States to comply with local laws and regulations following the arrest of an Indian researcher and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. This advisory comes as deportation policies under former US President Donald Trump gain traction, sparking concerns among international students.
Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, was recently arrested by US authorities for allegedly disseminating “Hamas propaganda.” Meanwhile, Columbia University student Ranjini Srinivasan saw her visa revoked due to her participation in pro-Palestine protests. These incidents have heightened fears among Indian students studying in the US, particularly those engaging in political activism.
According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), neither Mr. Suri nor Ms. Srinivasan reached out to the Indian embassy in the US for assistance. The MEA emphasized that visa and immigration matters fall under the sovereign jurisdiction of respective nations, reinforcing that foreign nationals must adhere to the host country’s laws.
The US government has recently intensified its crackdown on pro-Palestine protests, with Trump labeling participants as “terrorist sympathizers” and threatening to withdraw university funding while expelling students involved in such movements. The policy shift has instilled uncertainty within the academic community, particularly among international students who now fear potential deportation.
Mr. Suri, whose wife has Palestinian roots, has claimed that his background played a role in his arrest. US authorities are pressing for his deportation, but a court has temporarily blocked his removal. Meanwhile, Ms. Srinivasan opted for self-deportation to Canada after her visa was revoked. US officials accused her of “advocating for violence and terrorism” and having alleged links to Hamas, a Palestinian organization banned in the US and Israel. On March 11, she used the Customs and Border Protection Home app to facilitate her exit from the US.
Mr. Jaiswal reassured Indian students in the US that Indian consulates and embassies remain available for assistance in case of difficulties. However, he reiterated that the government had no prior knowledge of Mr. Suri’s detention or Ms. Srinivasan’s visa revocation until reports surfaced in the media.
With a growing number of Indian students pursuing education in the US, the Indian government remains committed to strengthening bilateral academic ties. The MEA has assured that Indian consulates will provide necessary support and guidance to students facing legal or immigration-related challenges, reinforcing their well-being and safety.
