Nikki Haley calls for deportation of international students taking part in protests across US campuses

Campus disruptions amid Israeli-Palestinian conflict raise concerns for Indian students and prompt criticism of universities.

Nikki Haley comments on the ongoing campus disruptions / Nikki Haley/website

Indian American Republican Nikki Haley emphasized the need for law and order, advocating for the expulsion of international students participating in pro-Palestinian protests across various American universities.

Calling for the arrest of those breaking the law or violating school policies, Haley said, “We need law and order. Any international student participating should be sent back to their country. Any student violating school policy should be expelled. Anyone breaking the law should be arrested. Breaking the rules does not entitle you to a free ride. This isn’t hard.”

We need law and order. Any international student participating should be sent back to their country. Any student violating school policy should be expelled. Anyone breaking the law should be arrested. Breaking the rules does not entitle you to a free ride. This isn’t hard.…
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) May 1, 2024

Her comments come in light of campus disruptions at prominent universities in the United States amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which have raised concerns within international student communities, particularly affecting Indian students and their families back in India.

Consequences for Indian students in the US?

Indian students studying in the US have faced significant challenges due to these disruptions. Participation in protests has led to detentions, risking visa statuses and scholarships.

Experts in immigration and education have expressed serious concerns about the potential impact on international students' visa statuses. Violations of school policies resulting in expulsion or suspension can jeopardize the F-1 visa status of Indian students and other international students affected by these events.

Recently, the arrest of Achinthya Sivalingam, an Indian-origin student, during a pro-Palestine protest at Princeton University made headlines. Sivalingam has been banned from the university pending a disciplinary process, along with fellow student Hassan Sayed.