Billionaire entrepreneur and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly endorsed a mobile application designed for self-deportation after an Indian student used it to leave the United States. Ranjani Srinivasan, a doctoral student at Columbia University, chose to self-deport following the revocation of her visa by the Trump administration.
Sharing a post by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about the application, Musk remarked, “New app to assist in self-deportation!” The CBP app was initially developed to facilitate asylum appointments but was later repurposed to enable individuals to self-deport in response to the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Student forced to flee amid visa controversy
Srinivasan, 37, learned that her visa had been revoked on March 5 by the U.S. Department of State. In response, she packed her essentials, left her cat in the care of a friend, and departed for Canada from LaGuardia Airport on March 11 using the CBP Home App, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
She had entered the United States on an F-1 student visa to pursue a doctorate in Urban Planning at Columbia University. Her visa was revoked due to allegations of “advocating for violence and terrorism” and involvement in activities linked to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. The DHS stated that Srinivasan was “involved in activities supporting” Hamas, though further details were not provided.
Allegations denied, raised free speech concerns
Srinivasan has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that her university enrollment was revoked without explanation. She expressed uncertainty about completing her degree, which she has been working toward for five years.
“Having my visa revoked and then losing my student status has upended my life and future—not because of any wrongdoing, but because I exercised my right to free speech,” Srinivasan stated to CNN.
In an interview with The New York Times, she explained her decision to leave the U.S. rather than face potential detention: “The atmosphere seemed so volatile and dangerous. So I just made a quick decision.”
The incident has sparked debate over free speech, immigration policies, and the consequences of visa revocations. The CBP’s self-deportation app, now gaining attention due to Musk’s endorsement, is expected to play an increasing role as enforcement measures tighten under evolving immigration policies.