Letter From a Columbia PhD Candidate, After Fleeing the United States to Canada
My name is Ranjani Srinivasan. I was a 5th year PhD student at the Department of Urban Planning, GSAPP. I was also a TA in the Urban Studies Department at Barnard College.
Some of you might have heard about my case. For those who haven’t, I would like to share the details.
On Wednesday night (March 5), my visa was revoked by the Department of State.
While I was examining the email on Thursday morning (March 6), I received a phone survey from a private number claiming to be a third party hired by CU to administer a student opinion survey on campus conditions. At some point during the survey the person revealed they knew my exact address. I didn’t think much of it, then.
Instead, to figure out my visa status, I immediately began attempting to contact ISSO. Some of you might know that their emergency hotline only connects to public safety. After several hours of emailing both my department and ISSO, I was put in touch with the Director of Compliance, who assured me in writing that I am in legal status and could continue my work as a TA.
On Friday, (March 7), while on a Zoom call with an ISSO advisor who continues to reassure me that I was in legal status, ICE came knocking at my door without a warrant. If I had been alone I would have opened the door. My roommate, an American........
© CounterPunch
