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Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a statement in which they appeared to lack awareness of the students’ university affiliation
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This lack of information led to their expulsion on a Delta codeshare flight back to Delhi
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However, upon arrival in Delhi, the students found themselves held at the airport due to the failure of US immigration authorities to provide them with the necessary deportation documentation
In a distressing incident, a group of 16 Indian students faced deportation at Atlanta airport shortly after their arrival from Delhi on a Delta codeshare flight. These students, who possessed valid F1 visas and were scheduled to study at St. Louis University, were detained by US immigration authorities, as reported by viewfromthewing.com.
In a puzzling twist, Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a statement in which they appeared to lack awareness of the students’ university affiliation. This lack of information led to their expulsion on a Delta codeshare flight back to Delhi. However, upon arrival in Delhi, the students found themselves held at the airport due to the failure of US immigration authorities to provide them with the necessary deportation documentation.
Among these students was Priti, who recounted that she possessed all the required documents, including her I-20 and university admission papers. Yet, her situation took a troubling turn when US immigration officers discovered visa-related interview preparation materials stored on her phone. Priti was subjected to intensive questioning regarding the contents of her phone, including the amount paid for visa coaching and even the name of the visa interview officer.
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This incident sheds light on the intricate challenges and potential inconsistencies faced by international students navigating the US immigration process
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It underscores the need for better communication and transparency between immigration authorities and students to prevent such unfortunate circumstances in the future
Priti expressed her bewilderment, saying, “How was I supposed to remember what the visa interview officer’s name was?”
Following their questioning, the officials informed Priti that she was to be deported. She was provided with the option to reach out to the Indian Embassy, with the added caution that any false information could lead to legal consequences, including potential imprisonment.
Despite their predicament, the students attempted to seek assistance. Initially, they requested permission to contact their parents, a request that was denied since they were not considered minors. Subsequently, they attempted to communicate with the Indian embassy, aiming for the embassy to contact their parents on their behalf. Regrettably, they were informed that the local embassy had already concluded its operations for the day. Ultimately, after an arduous eight-hour wait, the students were placed on a plane back to their home country.
This incident sheds light on the intricate challenges and potential inconsistencies faced by international students navigating the US immigration process. It underscores the need for better communication and transparency between immigration authorities and students to prevent such unfortunate circumstances in the future.
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