Who is Ranjani Srinivasan?
Ranjani Srinivasan is a student of Indian origin, who was studying doctoral at Columbia University. he/she is a prestigious Fulbright Scholar and his/her academic record is extremely spectacular. he/she has earned an M.Phil in Urban Planning from Columbia University, Masters in Design from Harvard University and Bachelors degree in Design from CEPT University, India. his/her research focuses on land-labor relations, political economy and regional politics in semi-urban areas of India.
Why the visa canceled?
The US government accused Ranjani of supporting Hamas and supporting violence and terrorism. On March 5, 2025, the US State Department canceled his/her visa due to ‘security concerns’. This action is a part of comprehensive action against foreign students involved in pro -Palestinian activities in the US. Another student of West Bank, Palestinian Laka Cordia, was arrested for living in the US even after the visa period was over. he/she was also detained in 2024 to participate in protests at Columbia University.
Increased concerns of green card holders in America
Another student of Columbia University, Mahmud Khalil, who has a green card, has created anger at the national level. This has increased concerns about the rights of green card holders in the US. President Donald Trump has warned that the colleges who do not follow their policies will not get federal funding. Their targets include the female sports from transgender athletes to diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) programs. On Friday, his/her administration announced an investigation of 52 universities as part of his/her action on DEI initiatives.
