Student self-deports after US revokes visa

An Indian student at Columbia University self-deported after their visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas, a group designated by the US as a terrorist organization.

- HT Correspondent

NEW DELHI:

Ranjani Srinivasan, a 27-year-old doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, entered the US on an F-1 student visa, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on Friday, confirming that their visa was revoked on March 5.

The DHS said it has obtained video footage of Srinivasan using the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App to self-deport on March 11.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in the statement that it is a "privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America". "When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country. I am glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathizers use the CBP Home app to self-deport," Noem said.

The CBP Home app, launched on March 10, allows individuals illegally residing in the US to voluntarily submit their intent to leave the country.