An Indian student studying at Columbia University has voluntarily left the United States after her student visa was revoked for allegedly supporting Hamas. Ranjani Srinivasan, a doctoral student in urban planning, had her visa canceled on March 5, 2025, by the US Department of Homeland Security, which accused her of "advocating violence and terrorism."

According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, Srinivasan was involved in activities linked to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Authorities stated that video footage obtained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) showed Srinivasan using the CBP app to self-deport on March 11, 2025.

Self-deportation allows individuals to leave voluntarily, avoiding the risk of being forcibly removed from the country, as has happened with other deportees recently sent back to India.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a video of Srinivasan at the airport, emphasizing that anyone advocating violence and terrorism has no place in the United States. "It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America. When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country," Noem said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "I am glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathizers use the CBP Home app to self-deport."

Srinivasan was a doctoral student at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, conducting research in urban planning. She holds a Bachelor's degree from CEPT University in Ahmedabad and a Master's degree from Harvard University, with Fulbright Nehru and Inlaks Scholarships. Her professional experience includes work with an environmental advocacy nonprofit in Washington and research with the West Philadelphia Landscape Project at MIT.

Columbia University has been a focal point for pro-Palestine student protests amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Recently, former Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, who led pro-Palestinian protests on campus last year, had his green card revoked, though a federal judge has temporarily halted his deportation. Additionally, student Leqaa Kordia was arrested for overstaying her visa, linked to her involvement in pro-Palestinian protests in New York.

The Justice Department and Homeland Security are investigating whether Columbia University is "harboring and concealing illegal aliens" on its campus, according to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.