Srinivasan's troubles began when she became entangled in the government's crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests. Despite no evidence being provided, she was accused of supporting violence and links to Hamas.

Ranjani Srinivasan is an Indian national who was pursuing a doctoral degree in Urban Planning at Columbia University on an F-1 student visa.

Columbia University, home to numerous international students, has emerged as a key battleground in the government's push to curb campus activism.