A recent incident involving the handcuffing and deportation of an Indian student from Newark Liberty International Airport has stirred sharp public reaction and diplomatic attention. The United States Embassy in India responded with a firm statement, saying that while legitimate travellers are welcome, violations of US law will not be tolerated.
In a post shared on X, the US Embassy stated: “The United States continues to welcome legitimate travelers to our country. However, there is no right to visit the United States. We cannot and will not tolerate illegal entry, abuse of visas, or the violation of U.S. law.”
Viral Video Sparks Outrage: ‘A Human Tragedy’ Says NRI
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing the student in handcuffs at the airport. The footage was posted by an NRI who expressed anguish over the student’s treatment.
“I witnessed a young Indian student being deported from Newark Airport last night—handcuffed, crying, treated like a criminal. He came chasing dreams, not causing harm. As an NRI, I felt helpless and heartbroken. This is a human tragedy,” the user wrote on X.
Another social media user, Kunal Jain, a social entrepreneur, added that the student was pleading in Haryanvi, insisting that he wasn’t “crazy” and alleging that authorities were trying to portray him that way. Jain highlighted a disturbing pattern: “These children get their visas and get on a flight in the morning.
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For some reason, they are unable to explain the reason for their visit to the immigration authorities and are sent back in the evening flight tied up like criminals. Every day 3-4 such cases are happening. There have been more such cases in the last few days.”
Indian Consulate in New York Responds Amid Rising Student Deportations
The Indian Consulate in New York acknowledged the social media reports and confirmed it is closely monitoring the case.
“We have come across social media posts claiming that an Indian national is facing difficulties at Newark Liberty International Airport. We are in touch with local authorities in this regard,” the Consulate wrote on X, assuring that it remains committed to the welfare of Indian nationals.
This incident comes amid an intensified US crackdown on international students, with visas reportedly being revoked without prior notice for a variety of reasons — ranging from minor legal issues to political protests. The unpredictability and harsh enforcement have left many students confused, vulnerable, and facing abrupt deportations, despite having valid travel documentation.
As these incidents continue to surface, questions are being raised over the clarity of visa rules, the transparency of immigration processes, and the treatment of international students arriving in the US.
