A video circulating on social media depicting an Indian student in handcuffs at Newark Airport in the United States has ignited widespread outrage and concern. The incident, which reportedly led to the student's deportation, has prompted calls for intervention from the Indian government and sparked a debate about the treatment of international students at U.S. airports.
The distressing footage was shared by Kunal Jain, an Indian-American social entrepreneur, who witnessed the event firsthand. Jain described the scene as a "human tragedy," stating that the student was "handcuffed, crying, [and] treated like a criminal." He emphasized that the young man was "chasing dreams, not causing harm," and expressed his heartbreak and helplessness at witnessing the ordeal. Jain also noted the student appeared disoriented and was supposed to board the same flight as him but never did.
According to Jain, the incident occurred at Newark Airport in New Jersey. Visuals shared online show the student pinned to the floor by authorities, with one photograph revealing a police officer wearing a "Port Authority Police" cap. Jain, deeply concerned about the student's well-being and the lack of information available to his family, tagged the Indian Embassy in the United States and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging them to investigate the matter and provide assistance.
Jain further claimed that such incidents are becoming increasingly common, alleging that "Every day 3-4 such cases are happening" where Indian students are deported after arriving in the U.S. He attributes these deportations to the students' purported inability to adequately explain their reasons for visiting the United States to immigration authorities. He elaborated, "These children get their visas and get on a flight in the morning. For some reason, they are unable to explain the reason for their visit to the immigration authorities and are sent back on the evening flight tied up like criminals."
The video and Jain's account have triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many users expressing shock and condemnation. Some have voiced concerns about potential mistreatment and discrimination faced by Indian students and other international travelers at U.S. airports. Others have called for greater transparency and accountability from U.S. immigration authorities, urging them to ensure that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their nationality or background.
The Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, the incident has put a spotlight on the experiences of Indian students traveling to the U.S. and has raised questions about the fairness and consistency of immigration procedures at U.S. airports. It remains to be seen what actions, if any, will be taken by the Indian government or U.S. authorities in response to this incident. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and uncertainties faced by international students navigating complex immigration systems and highlights the need for greater understanding, empathy, and respect in cross-cultural interactions.
