New Delhi/Washington: A video of an Indian student being handcuffed and deported from Newark Airport, New Jersey, has gone viral, prompting widespread backlash and renewed concerns over the treatment of Indian nationals at U.S. entry points.
The U.S. Embassy in India responded firmly, stating that the United States “welcomes legitimate travelers” but “will not tolerate illegal entry, visa abuse, or violations of U.S. law.” The statement comes amid rising reports of Indian students facing deportation and mistreatment at U.S. airports.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The incident came to light after Indian-origin U.S. entrepreneur Kunal Jain shared a video on X (formerly Twitter). The footage showed a young Indian student, visibly distressed, being pinned down and handcuffed by U.S. officials at the airport.
“I saw a young Indian student being handcuffed, crying, and treated like a criminal. He kept saying in Haryanvi, ‘I am not crazy, they are trying to prove me crazy,’” Jain wrote.
The student was later deported to India. The exact cause of the deportation is still unclear.
Frequent Deportations Raise Alarm
Jain alleged that such incidents are becoming common. “Every day, 3–4 students are being deported the same day they arrive. They come on valid visas but are unable to explain their purpose clearly to immigration officers.”
He called on the Indian Embassy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and the U.S. authorities to investigate and ensure fair treatment of Indian citizens.
Congress Attacks Modi Over Silence
The Congress party criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not speaking out on the matter.
“Indian citizens are being humiliated abroad, especially in the U.S., and Modi remains silent. The Modi government has failed to protect the dignity of Indians,” the party wrote on social media, demanding diplomatic action.
Indian Consulate Responds
The Indian Consulate in New York confirmed they are aware of the situation and in contact with local U.S. authorities. It assured that it stands committed to safeguarding the welfare of Indian nationals.
U.S. Tightens Student Visa Norms
This incident coincides with new U.S. measures to tighten visa regulations for international students. According to reports, visa interviews for F, M, and J category students have been suspended in many embassies, with enhanced scrutiny of applicants’ backgrounds and social media activity.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly ordered embassies worldwide to halt new student visa interviews, citing concerns over ideological influences and national security.