New Delhi: The United States is witnessing a surge in tensions within its academic circles, particularly for international students. The Indian government has issued a stern advisory to its students studying in the U.S., urging them to strictly comply with American laws. This warning comes in the wake of heightened deportations and crackdowns on pro-Palestine activities, which have left many students fearing for their residency permits.
At the heart of this controversy are two Indian academics: Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, and Ranjini Srinivasan, a doctoral student at Columbia University. Suri was arrested for alleged ties to Hamas, but a court intervened to block his deportation. Srinivasan, on the other hand, chose to self-deport to Canada after her visa was revoked due to her involvement in pro-Palestine protests.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasizes that foreign nationals must respect and comply with the laws of their host countries. Despite this, neither Suri nor Srinivasan reached out to Indian embassies for assistance. President Trump has labeled pro-Palestine protesters as “terrorist sympathizers,” threatening to cut university funding and deport such individuals. This stance has shaken the academic community, raising concerns about freedom of speech and residency status.
The U.S. crackdown on pro-Palestine activities has created a climate of fear among international students. The Indian government, while acknowledging the sovereignty of the U.S. in visa and immigration matters, assures its students that consulates and embassies are available to provide support if needed. As tensions escalate, the Indian government seeks to bolster educational ties with the U.S., emphasizing the importance of compliance with local laws for the safety and well-being of its students abroad.
