Columbia University Student Fleeing ICE: The Case of Ranjani Srinivasan
Ranjani Srinivasan, a Columbia University doctoral student, fled to Canada after her student visa was revoked amidst allegations from the DHS related to pro-Palestinian protests. Despite having a clean legal record, her legal status changed when Columbia withdrew her enrollment. Srinivasan expressed concerns over the fear of expressing political views and criticized labeling protests as terrorism.
Ranjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old architect from India, was nearing graduation from her doctoral program in urban planning at Columbia University when she faced an alarming situation. Her student visa was revoked, and agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confronted her regarding accusations from the Department of Homeland Security related to “violence and terrorism.” Srinivasan reported that her university offered little support during this challenging time.
Upon learning of her visa issues, Srinivasan approached Columbia’s international students office but felt abandoned when ICE appeared at her door. Following the termination of her legal status, Columbia University subsequently withdrew her enrollment, leaving her in a precarious position. Srinivasan became one of the numerous international students targeted by the DHS amid a crackdown on those participating in pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
During a protest concerning the conflict in Gaza, Srinivasan was arrested, although she contended that her arrest was a misunderstanding. The charges against her were later dismissed; however, such incidents can lead to student visa revocation. When she applied for a visa renewal, she did not disclose a legal summons, believing it irrelevant since there were no convictions against her record.
Faced with the uncertain future regarding her graduation and fearing further legal repercussions, she made the difficult decision to flee to Canada. Srinivasan expressed fear over the potential revocation of visas for exercising political speech, stating that universities should promote open debates instead of instilling fear.
In response to inquiries regarding her reaction to the visa revocation notice, Srinivasan described her initial disbelief and fear as more information surfaced. After ICE agents repeatedly visited her home, she opted not to answer the door, with her roommate handling the situation. Despite still being legally enrolled and present in the U.S., Columbia’s withdrawal of her enrollment led her to fear for her legal status.
Srinivasan defiantly addressed accusations from the DHS, denying any support for terrorist organizations and expressing that peaceful protests advocating against violence should not be labeled as terrorism. She criticized the trend of interpreting dissenting opinions as threats, suggesting that it stifles free speech and creates an atmosphere of fear on campuses. This interview was produced and edited by Hafsa Quraishi for broadcast with Michael Scotto, highlighting the concerning clash between immigration policies and free expression at educational institutions.
The case of Ranjani Srinivasan exemplifies the precarious situation facing international students amid heightened scrutiny from immigration authorities. Her experience underscores the challenges posed by immigration policies which can impede free speech and academic pursuits. Srinivasan’s decision to flee to Canada demonstrates a significant concern for personal safety and legal status, raising critical questions about the balance between national security and individual rights on university campuses. These issues remain pressing for many in the current political climate.
Original Source: www.wbur.org
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