A Columbia University doctoral student whose visa was revoked earlier this month has left the United States using the CBP Home App, while another student was arrested for overstaying her visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian national studying urban planning at Columbia University, had her F-1 student visa revoked on March 5, 2025, by the U.S. Department of State. DHS officials allege she was involved in activities supporting Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Srinivasan departed the country on March 11 using the CBP Home App, a digital platform that facilitates departure procedures.
In a separate case, Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student from the West Bank, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying her student visa. Authorities say Kordia’s F-1 visa was terminated on January 26, 2022, due to lack of attendance. She had previously been arrested in April 2024 for participating in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers took her into custody in Newark, New Jersey.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem commented on the cases, stating,
“It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States. When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked.”
U.S. immigration authorities continue to monitor visa compliance and enforcement actions related to student visa holders.
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