US Campus Turmoil: Impact on Indian Students

University campus protests in the United States have entered a turbulent new phase. Recently at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), clashes erupted between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The confrontation reportedly began with an attack on a Jewish student, leaving her unconscious. Violence ensued, with fights breaking out, fireworks being thrown, and individuals being maced. Pro-Israeli protesters were observed dismantling barriers and makeshift walls set up by the pro-Palestinian encampment as tensions escalated. Similar protests and encampments have been reported at other universities across the United States, including UC Berkeley, UC Riverside, and UC Irvine. Despite the escalating tensions and reports of injuries, the response from law enforcement at UCLA was limited, with only a small group of officers present on the scene. This has raised concerns about the adequacy of security measures to prevent violence and protect the safety of students, including international students from India, who have found themselves caught in the crossfire. Indian students studying in the United States have faced disruptions to their academic activities due to the protests, including campus lockdowns and a shift to online classes for safety reasons. Rajiv Khanna, Managing Attorney at Immigration.com, has warned about the potential impact on international students' visa status, emphasising the importance of adherence to U.S. federal law, state law, and university policies. Violations could result in severe consequences, including removal from the United States.

As tensions continue to flare on college campuses, questions arise about the role of the U.S. government in addressing the underlying causes of the protests to ensure the safety and security of international students caught amid campus unrest.