Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian PhD student at Columbia University, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked over allegations of supporting Hamas. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Srinivasan used the newly launched CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11, days after her F-1 visa was canceled on March 5.
DHS accused Srinivasan, who was pursuing a doctorate in Urban Planning, of advocating for violence and terrorism and claimed to have video evidence linking her to pro-Hamas activities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem commented that being granted a visa to live and study in the U.S. is a privilege, and those who support terrorism should have it revoked. She expressed satisfaction that Srinivasan used the CBP Home app to self-deport.
The CBP Home App, introduced on March 10, allows individuals staying illegally in the U.S. to self-report their intent to leave. DHS clarified that this system provides an opportunity for voluntary departure, allowing individuals to return legally in the future, but warned that those who do not comply would be forcibly deported and permanently barred from reentry.
In a separate case, Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student from the West Bank, was arrested by ICE HSI Newark for overstaying her F-1 visa, which had been terminated in January 2022 due to lack of attendance. Kordia was previously arrested in April 2024 for participating in pro-Hamas protests at Columbia University. Additionally, Mahmoud Khalil, a U.S. permanent resident of Palestinian heritage and a Columbia University graduate, was detained for leading anti-Israel protests on campus and is now in immigration detention in Louisiana.
Amid growing concerns over campus unrest, the Trump administration has revoked $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia University, citing the institution’s failure to act against the harassment of Jewish students. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Jewish students had faced continuous violence and anti-Semitic harassment, which the university administration had ignored. She emphasized that the government would no longer tolerate inaction on such issues.
Columbia University’s Judicial Board has announced disciplinary measures, including multi-year suspensions, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions for students involved in last spring’s Gaza protests and the occupation of Hamilton Hall. The university reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing regulations and strengthening disciplinary processes. These developments highlight an intensifying crackdown on visa violations and alleged support for extremist activities on U.S. campuses.
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