After the US authorities forced Columbia University doctoral student to self-deport and arrested another from Georgetown University, the Union Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian students not to make the same mistakes.
Ranjani Srinivasan, who was pursuing her doctoral degree in urban planning from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), was accused of supporting Hamas, citing her participation in pro-Palestinian protests.
Another Indian researcher, Badar Khan Suri, was arrested by immigration authorities for spreading Hamas propaganda but his lawyer argues that he was targeted because of his wife's Palestinian origin. A US court recently blocked his deportation to India.
### **Where did Ranjani Srinvisan and Badar Khan Suri go wrong?**
The Centre pointed out that both Ranjani and Badar failed to contact the Indian embassy or consulates in the US for help, said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Talking specifically about Badar, he said, "Neither the US government nor this individual approached us or the embassy." On Ranjani's self-deportation, Jaiswal said the MEA learnt about that she fled to Canada through media reports.
"If an Indian student is facing any problem, the consulate or the embassy is there to help them with their well-being (and) safety. We would continue if there is any Indian student who would like a helping hand. Our Consulate and our Government, the Embassy is there to help them out," he added.
He also advised Indian citizens to comply with American laws while staying in the US.
Jaiswal said the US has the right to decide on its visa and immigration matters, which are within its sovereign authority. He pointed out that the Indian government expects the same when foreign nationals come to the country by abiding by Indian laws and regulations.