Ranjani Srinivasan Talks About Dystopian Nightmare, After Visa Cancellation Over Pro-Palestine Activism
Ranjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old doctoral student from India studying urban planning at Columbia University in New York, has voluntarily left the United States after authorities revoked their student visa. The US Department of State cited Srinivasan’s alleged involvement in activities supporting Hamas as grounds for the revocation, categorizing the group as a terrorist organization.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, Srinivasan’s visa was revoked on March 5, 2025, following an assessment of their online activities related to pro-Palestine protests amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. A video shared publicly by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem showed Srinivasan at the airport, using the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app to self-deport on March 11.
Homeland Security Issues Strong Warning
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Srinivasan on social media as a “terrorist sympathiser,” asserting that visas are a privilege reserved for those who do not advocate violence and terrorism. Secretary Noem emphasized that individuals advocating violent or extremist ideologies would not be permitted to remain in the United States under any circumstances.
Srinivasan, currently residing in Canada, characterized their experience as a “dystopian nightmare.” Reflecting on the events, they expressed surprise at becoming the subject of official scrutiny, explaining their involvement primarily involved engaging with posts on social media related to human rights concerns and the situation in Gaza.
Background of the Indian Student
Srinivasan has an extensive academic and professional background, highlighted by prestigious educational credentials. Having obtained their Bachelor’s degree from the CEPT (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology) University in Ahmedabad, they subsequently pursued a Master’s degree at Harvard University as a recipient of the Fulbright Nehru and Inlaks Scholarships.
Professionally, Srinivasan has previously collaborated with an environmental advocacy group in Washington, focusing on communities vulnerable to climate change, and has also contributed research to the West Philadelphia Landscape Project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
At Columbia University, Srinivasan’s research within the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation revolved around urban planning and climate change mitigation. University records show they used gender-neutral pronouns.
Columbia University: Centre of Protests and Controversies
Columbia University has recently emerged as a prominent hub for pro-Palestine student protests amidst the intensifying Israel-Hamas conflict. Srinivasan’s visa revocation is one of several immigration-related actions taken by US authorities targeting students involved in these protests.
Recently, another former Columbia student, Mahmoud Khalil, who led pro-Palestine protests, faced a similar visa cancellation. However, Khalil’s deportation has been temporarily halted by a federal judge. Another student, Leqaa Kordia, was arrested and detained by immigration authorities due to overstaying a student visa after actively participating in demonstrations supporting Palestine.
Broader Investigations Ongoing
Amid the ongoing controversy, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed that the Justice Department and Homeland Security are investigating Columbia University over concerns that it might be concealing individuals residing illegally on campus.
Srinivasan’s case underscores broader international discussions surrounding immigration policies, freedom of expression, and the limits of political activism permitted for international students in the United States. As global attention remains fixed on the unfolding Israel-Hamas conflict, such incidents emphasize the complexity and consequences of international involvement in politically sensitive issues.
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