Ranjani Srinivasan, a former graduate student at Columbia University, has become a focal point in the ongoing discussion surrounding the United States’ immigration policies. Amid a tightening immigration crackdown, Srinivasan, who had been pursuing her studies in the US on a student visa, made the dramatic decision to flee the country. Her story reflects the mounting pressures faced by international students in the current climate of heightened immigration enforcement.

Srinivasan, a native of India, had always dreamed of studying in the United States. She enrolled at Columbia University in New York City, pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. The university, known for its rigorous academic programs, was an ideal place for Srinivasan to hone her skills and gain exposure to the cutting-edge field of technology. For the first few years, everything seemed perfect: she was excelling academically, developing lasting friendships, and even landing a few internships with renowned tech companies.

However, as the political climate in the US became increasingly hostile toward immigrants, particularly those from countries like India, Srinivasan’s life took an unexpected turn. During the presidency of Donald Trump, there was a marked shift in the country’s approach to immigration. Executive orders aimed at restricting immigration were followed by tighter regulations for international students, such as rules that limited work opportunities and made it more difficult for foreign graduates to stay in the country after completing their degrees.

The situation worsened when the Trump administration introduced a series of new immigration policies targeting student visas, including proposals that would limit the length of time international students could remain in the US after graduation. These moves created uncertainty and fear within the international student community.

For Ranjani, the most troubling policy was the push for “deportation after graduation,” which would have meant that students like her would be forced to leave the US shortly after completing their academic programs. This development was a nightmare scenario for Srinivasan, who had hoped to secure a job in the tech industry and stay in the US to contribute to its growing economy.

Ranjani’s decision to leave the United States was not made lightly. She had worked tirelessly to build a future in the country and had developed deep ties to her academic and professional network. Yet, after multiple rejections from US immigration authorities regarding her application for a work visa, she saw no other option.

Srinivasan’s flight from the US was, in many ways, emblematic of a larger trend. Many international students faced an uncertain future, with fears of deportation looming over their careers. As the immigration crackdown escalated, Ranjani’s story highlighted the personal and emotional toll the policy changes were having on individuals who had invested their time and energy into contributing to American society.

Her departure also serves as a cautionary tale for future generations of international students considering studying in the United States. While the country has long been a global leader in higher education, the changing immigration policies have created an environment of instability that discourages talented young people from pursuing their academic and professional dreams in America.