The News Minute recently published an article claiming that Ranjani Srinivasan, a Columbia University PhD scholar, was forced to flee the US after her student visa was revoked due to her pro-Palestine views. The article paints a picture of political repression, alleging that Srinivasan was targeted for her activism and that her visa revocation was unjust. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals a different story—one that The News Minute conveniently omitted or distorted to fit a specific narrative.
The Real Reason For Visa Revocation: Support For Hamas & Failure To Disclose Critical Information
Contrary to The News Minute’s claims, Srinivasan’s visa revocation was not an act of political repression or a crackdown on free speech. The primary reason for her visa revocation was her failure to disclose critical information during her visa renewal process.
The primary reason for her visa revocation was her involvement in activities supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, and her failure to disclose critical information during her visa renewal process.
Specifically, Srinivasan did not report two court summonses she received during a pro-Palestine protest at Columbia University in April 2024. According to a statement released by the US Department of Homeland Security on 14 March 2025, Srinivasan was found to have engaged in activities supporting Hamas. The Department obtained evidence of her participation in pro-Hamas protests at Columbia University in April 2024, which included video footage and other documentation. Additionally, Srinivasan failed to report two court summonses she received during these protests, a serious violation of US immigration law.
While the charges against her were eventually dismissed, US immigration law requires visa applicants to disclose any interactions with law enforcement, including summonses, regardless of the outcome. This omission, combined with her support for a terrorist organization, provided ample legal grounds for her visa revocation. The US State Department has consistently enforced this rule, and Srinivasan’s case is no exception.
Selective Activism Narrative: Distorting Facts
The News Minute’s article heavily emphasizes Srinivasan’s “pro-Palestine” activism, suggesting that her visa revocation was a direct result of her political views. However, the US government’s statement makes it clear that her involvement with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, was a key factor in the decision. By omitting this critical detail, The News Minute distorts the reality of her situation and ignores the legal basis for her visa revocation.
By portraying her as a victim of political repression, The News Minute distorts the reality of her situation and ignores the legal basis for her visa revocation.
Misleading Claims About ICE Raids And Harassment
The News Minute’s account of ICE agents knocking on Srinivasan’s door is sensationalized and misleading. While it is true that federal agents visited her apartment, they did so with a judicial warrant, which is standard procedure in immigration enforcement cases. The agents did not harass or intimidate her; they were following legal protocols to investigate her visa status.
Moreover, Srinivasan’s decision to leave the US was not a result of ICE pressure but a personal choice to avoid potential legal complications. The News Minute’s portrayal of her departure as a forced exile is exaggerated and ignores the fact that she voluntarily used the CBP Home App to self-deport on 11 March 2025.
Cherry-Picking Facts To Push A Narrative
The News Minute’s article selectively highlights certain aspects of Srinivasan’s case while omitting critical details. For instance, it fails to mention that Srinivasan’s visa revocation was based on a clear violation of immigration law, as well as her political views and activism. It also ignores the fact that her activism was not the sole focus of the US government’s investigation.
By framing Srinivasan’s case as an example of political repression, The News Minute perpetuates a false narrative that undermines the credibility of legitimate concerns about free speech and immigration enforcement.
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