In a case that has sparked widespread debate over free speech and international student rights, an Indian student at Columbia University in New York has fled the US after her visa was revoked for allegedly supporting Hamas, a Palestinian militant group designated as a terrorist organisation by the US government. The student, Ranjani Srinivasan, a 24-year-old pursuing a master’s degree in journalism, was forced to leave the country last week following an investigation by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The News Minute, which interviewed Srinivasan, reported that she was informed of her visa revocation on 10 March 2025 and given 48 hours to leave the US. Srinivasan, who hails from Bengaluru, India, denied any involvement with Hamas, calling the allegations “baseless and politically motivated.” In her interview with The News Minute, she said, “I have never supported any terrorist organisation. My only crime, it seems, is advocating for Palestinian human rights and speaking out against the violence in Gaza. This is a blatant attack on free speech.”
The DHS, however, maintains that Srinivasan’s actions violated the terms of her student visa. In a statement released on 14 March 2025, the agency said, “Ms Srinivasan’s visa was revoked after it was determined that she engaged in activities supporting a designated foreign terrorist organisation. The US government takes such violations seriously and will not tolerate individuals who abuse their visa privileges to support terrorism.” The statement also referenced a video allegedly showing Srinivasan participating in a pro-Palestinian rally where slogans in support of Hamas were chanted.
Human rights activists and free speech advocates have criticised the US government’s decision, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent. Suchitra Vijayan, a prominent human rights activist, took to social media to express her concerns. In a tweet, Vijayan wrote, “The deportation of Ranjani Srinivasan is a chilling reminder of how states weaponise immigration laws to crush dissent. This is not about security; it’s about silencing voices that challenge power.”
The case has also drawn attention to a broader pattern of visa revocations and deportations targeting international students and activists. According to a report by Common Dreams, at least 12 students and scholars from various countries have been deported or denied entry to the US in the past year under similar circumstances. The report highlights the case of Betar, a Palestinian student who was deported in 2024 after being accused of ties to Hamas, a claim he vehemently denied.
Srinivasan’s departure has sparked outrage among her peers at Columbia University, where she was an active member of the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group. A petition demanding her reinstatement has garnered over 10,000 signatures, with many arguing that her activism was misconstrued as support for terrorism. “Ranjani was always clear about her stance: she stood for peace and justice, not violence,” said a fellow student who wished to remain anonymous.
The Student Workers of Columbia (SWC), a union representing graduate and undergraduate workers at Columbia University, have expressed strong solidarity with Ranjani Srinivasan following her visa revocation and subsequent departure from the US. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the SWC condemned the US government’s decision, calling it an attack on free speech and academic freedom. They emphasised that Srinivasan’s advocacy for Palestinian rights was misrepresented as support for terrorism, and they reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rights of international students and workers. “Ranjani’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of silencing dissent,” the SWC stated. “We stand with her and all those who fight for justice, even in the face of repression.” The union also called on Columbia University to take a stronger stance in protecting its students from political targeting.
Legal experts and activists have pointed out that Srinivasan’s case raises serious concerns about the US First Amendment, which guarantees the right to free speech. Critics argue that the US government’s actions undermine this constitutional protection, particularly for non-citizens who are often excluded from its safeguards. “The First Amendment is supposed to protect all individuals on US soil, regardless of their nationality,” said a legal scholar quoted in the Common Dreams report. “By revoking visas based on political speech, the government is effectively creating a two-tiered system of rights.”
As Srinivasan adjusts to life back in India, she remains determined to continue her advocacy work. “This is not the end of my journey,” she told The News Minute. “I will keep fighting for what I believe in, no matter where I am. The truth will always prevail.”
The incident has reignited debates about the balance between national security and free speech, particularly in the context of international students who often find themselves vulnerable to political scrutiny. As the US continues to grapple with these issues, Srinivasan’s case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out.
