How Ranjani Srinivasan, Indian student at Columbia University whose visa US revoked, fled to Canada

 How Ranjani Srinivasan, Indian student at Columbia University whose visa US revoked, fled to Canada

Ranjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old Indian doctoral student at Columbia University, fled to Canada after her U.S. student visa was unexpectedly revoked amid allegations of supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. 

Visa Revocation and Initial Response

On March 5, 2025, Srinivasan received an email from the U.S. Consulate in Chennai notifying her of the visa cancellation, citing undisclosed information that may render her ineligible. Confused, she contacted Columbia's international student office and was initially advised that she could continue her studies as long as she remained in the U.S. 

Escalation and Decision to Flee

The situation escalated on March 7 when federal immigration agents arrived at her apartment. Her roommate refused them entry, but their presence heightened her anxiety. Fearing for her safety, Srinivasan made a swift decision to leave the country. She packed essentials, left her cat with a friend, and booked a flight to Canada. Reflecting on the ordeal, she described it as a "dystopian nightmare," expressing fear that even minimal political speech could lead to severe consequences. 

Government's Stance and Legal Representation

The Department of Homeland Security labeled her a "terrorist sympathizer" without providing evidence. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that advocating for violence and terrorism should result in visa revocation. Srinivasan's lawyers strongly denied the allegations, asserting that the government's actions were un-American and punitive towards her speech. 

Srinivasan's departure underscores the increasing scrutiny on international students involved in political activism, raising concerns about free speech and due process. 

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