Crackdown on universities intensifies as the U.S. government demands a list of students involved in protests.
The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on universities across the U.S., directing educational institutions to compile a list of names and nationalities of students involved in pro-Palestine protests, reported gujaratsamachar.com
Indian Students at Risk of Deportation
With Indian students forming one of the largest international student groups in the U.S., many could face deportation if found participating in the demonstrations.
Recently, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University was arrested and her visa revoked over alleged links to Hamas. This move is part of an ongoing effort to target educational institutions where pro-Palestine activism is reportedly rising.
Widespread Arrests and Visa Revocations
-
Indian researcher Badar Khan Suri became the second Indian student to face deportation for alleged pro-Palestinian activism, though his deportation was later stayed.
-
Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student at Columbia University, self-deported after the U.S. revoked her student visa for alleged support of Hamas.
-
The Trump administration cut off $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, citing its failure to control protests that allegedly veered into anti-Semitism and threats against Jewish students and faculty.
Political Backlash and Criticism
Critics argue that these actions suppress academic freedom and political dissent, disproportionately affecting students from South Asia and the Middle East. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the crackdown, stating:
“Studying in the U.S. is a privilege. When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked.”
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com