A disturbing incident at Newark Liberty International Airport has triggered widespread concern after an Indian student was reportedly handcuffed and deported, prompting a response from both the US Embassy in India and the Indian Consulate in New York.
The controversy began after a video posted on social media by Kunal Jain, a non-resident Indian (NRI) and social entrepreneur, went viral. Jain described witnessing a young Indian student in visible distress being deported from the airport. The student, who was allegedly speaking in Haryanvi, appeared confused and was seen crying, handcuffed, and treated "like a criminal." According to Jain, the student was trying to clarify that he wasn’t mentally unstable, but claimed the authorities were portraying him as such.
“He came chasing dreams, not causing harm,” wrote Jain on X (formerly Twitter). “Every day 3-4 such cases are happening. These children get their visas, board a flight in the morning, and are sent back in the evening tied up like criminals because they are unable to explain their visit to immigration officers.”
In response to the viral video and growing public concern, the US Embassy in India issued a firm statement, reiterating that while legitimate travelers are welcome, the United States has strict immigration laws that must be respected.
“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,” the embassy stated on its official X handle.
The Indian Consulate in New York also acknowledged the incident, stating they were actively following up with relevant authorities based on social media reports.
“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 remains ever committed for the welfare of Indian Nationals,” it wrote.
This incident comes amid a broader crackdown on international students in the United States. Recent months have seen an increasing number of cases where student visas were revoked without prior notice. In some cases, reasons have included participation in political protests, such as pro-Palestine demonstrations, or even minor legal infractions like traffic violations. The lack of clarity around these revocations has left many students anxious and confused.
The video has sparked debate on social media and within the Indian diaspora about the treatment of international students at US entry points. Many are calling for greater transparency, better legal protections, and stronger consular support for Indian nationals studying abroad.
The incident adds to growing concerns around the rising number of Indian students being denied entry into the US, and raises questions about whether adequate pre-departure counseling and documentation checks are being conducted to avoid such distressing outcomes.
