Indian Student Uses CBP App for Self-Deportation After Visa Revocation

Ranjani Srinivasan, a Columbia University doctoral student, became one of the first to use the CBP Home app for voluntary departure after being accused of supporting terrorism.

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada using the newly launched CBP Home app after her U.S. visa was revoked on March 5, 2025.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security alleged that Srinivasan supported Hamas through social media activity and participation in pro-Palestinian advocacy, accusations she denies.
The CBP Home app, introduced by the Trump administration, allows individuals to voluntarily declare their intent to leave the U.S., avoiding formal deportation and potential legal consequences.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the app as a tool to restore immigration system integrity, offering individuals the chance to leave voluntarily and potentially re-enter legally in the future.
Elon Musk publicly endorsed the app, which has been positioned as a cost-effective solution to manage undocumented immigrants and streamline compliance with immigration laws.