Indian students studying in the United States have been reminded of the importance of adhering to local laws by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This warning comes after two high-profile incidents involving Indian nationals that raised concerns about visa violations and political activity, with one individual being detained and another reportedly self-deporting. The cases in question involved accusations of support for Hamas, and the incidents have put a spotlight on the challenges international students face in the US, particularly when navigating legal and immigration matters. The MEA’s statement, delivered on Friday, came in response to the detention of Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University in Washington DC. According to reports from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Suri was taken into custody due to allegations that he was "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." A US federal judge has since intervened, temporarily blocking his deportation. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, noted that both the US authorities and the individual himself had not reached out to the Indian embassy or consulates for assistance during this process.

Jaiswal mentioned that the Indian government learned about Suri's detention through media reports. This lack of communication between the student and the embassy has raised concerns about the ability of Indian nationals in the US to seek help in cases of legal trouble. “Neither the US government nor this individual has approached us or the embassy,” Jaiswal said, highlighting the importance of maintaining open channels of communication.

Alongside Suri's detention, the case of an unnamed individual, identified as Srinivasan, who reportedly left the US voluntarily, also came to light. According to Jaiswal, the embassy only became aware of her departure through media sources, which further underscores the need for Indian students to stay in touch with their local embassy or consulate when facing issues abroad. It was reported that Srinivasan had left the US and gone to Canada, though her exact reasons for departure remain unclear. In addition to emphasizing the importance of communication with Indian missions abroad, Jaiswal also reinforced a broader message about visa and immigration compliance. “Visa and immigration decisions are the responsibility of each country," he said. "When it comes to visa and immigration policy, it is something that lies within the sovereign functions of a country. We expect that when we have foreign nationals coming to India, they abide by our laws and regulations. And similarly, it is our expectation that when Indian nationals are abroad, they must also comply with local laws and regulations.”

The spokesperson’s comments reflect the ongoing importance of maintaining strong ties between India and the US, particularly in the context of the significant number of Indian students enrolled in American universities. Jaiswal acknowledged the growing role of Indian students in the US educational system and the mutual benefit of this partnership, but also emphasized the importance of abiding by the laws of the host country. For international students, the issue of maintaining valid visa status is crucial. Rahul Subramaniam, co-founder of Athena Education, shared important advice with Business Standard, urging students to remain vigilant about visa compliance. "International students must prioritize staying in line with their visa conditions," he stated. “This includes ensuring they meet attendance requirements, staying up-to-date on travel restrictions, and only working in authorized roles, such as through CPT, OPT, or on-campus positions.”

Subramaniam also advised students to avoid falling prey to misinformation, especially in an uncertain environment. "Uncertainty can be unsettling, but students should focus on their academic growth and avoid hasty decisions that may put their status at risk." The potential consequences of violating visa conditions, such as unauthorized employment, overstaying, or failing to maintain full-time enrollment, can be severe, including deportation or being barred from reentry to the US. In addition to Subramaniam's insights, Abhijit Zaveri, founder and director of Career Mosaic, offered valuable guidance for students seeking to avoid visa-related issues. “Planning ahead can help students avoid trouble with their visas,” Zaveri explained. "Having a clear study plan and demonstrating strong ties to your home country can reinforce your intent to return after your studies." He also emphasized the importance of staying informed about visa regulations and working closely with Designated School Officials (DSOs) to ensure compliance with the F-1 and OPT requirements.

While the recent incidents have raised concerns, they also serve as an important reminder for Indian students in the US to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities while abroad. Compliance with visa and immigration rules is essential for ensuring that their academic pursuits are not interrupted and that they maintain their legal status in the country. As the number of Indian students in the US continues to grow, fostering a deeper understanding of the immigration system and following local laws will be crucial for ensuring their academic and professional success in the US. Both the Indian government and educational institutions must continue to work together to support students and help them navigate the complex legal landscape of studying abroad.