Priya Saxena, a 28-year-old doctoral student from India, is facing deportation from the United States despite completing two advanced degrees from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Saxena holds a doctorate in chemical and biological engineering and a master’s degree in chemical engineering. Her student visa is valid until 2027, but the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed her on a deportation list, according to a report by The Times of India.
The DHS cited a 2021 misdemeanour conviction against Saxena for failing to move over for flashing yellow lights. Based on this charge, authorities have sought to revoke her visa. Saxena has stated that the incident was declared during her visa renewal process and argues that the offence is not grounds for deportation.
Saxena, along with her attorney Jim Leach, filed a lawsuit against South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and the DHS. The court granted her a temporary restraining order, allowing her to remain in the US until her graduation ceremony. Her next hearing is scheduled for later this week.
The case drew attention as it coincided with both Saxena and Governor Noem receiving degrees from different universities in South Dakota. While Saxena received her doctorate with public applause, Noem was awarded an honorary doctorate in public service from her alma mater, Dakota State University. Her appearance at the ceremony was met with protests from students and faculty.
According to the TOI report, Dakota State University held internal votes before granting the honorary degree. Both the student senate and general faculty opposed the decision, raising concerns about the message it would send to international students. They cited recent actions by the DHS under Noem’s administration as a reason for dissent. However, the university proceeded, stating that Noem remains the sitting governor and has consistently supported the institution.
Saxena's legal team maintains that the enforcement action against her is unjust and that she has complied with all immigration rules. The court will continue to hear arguments in the case this week.
(With inputs from TOI)
The DHS cited a 2021 misdemeanour conviction against Saxena for failing to move over for flashing yellow lights. Based on this charge, authorities have sought to revoke her visa. Saxena has stated that the incident was declared during her visa renewal process and argues that the offence is not grounds for deportation.
Saxena, along with her attorney Jim Leach, filed a lawsuit against South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and the DHS. The court granted her a temporary restraining order, allowing her to remain in the US until her graduation ceremony. Her next hearing is scheduled for later this week.
The case drew attention as it coincided with both Saxena and Governor Noem receiving degrees from different universities in South Dakota. While Saxena received her doctorate with public applause, Noem was awarded an honorary doctorate in public service from her alma mater, Dakota State University. Her appearance at the ceremony was met with protests from students and faculty.
According to the TOI report, Dakota State University held internal votes before granting the honorary degree. Both the student senate and general faculty opposed the decision, raising concerns about the message it would send to international students. They cited recent actions by the DHS under Noem’s administration as a reason for dissent. However, the university proceeded, stating that Noem remains the sitting governor and has consistently supported the institution.
Saxena's legal team maintains that the enforcement action against her is unjust and that she has complied with all immigration rules. The court will continue to hear arguments in the case this week.
(With inputs from TOI)
You may also like
Rupali Ganguly becomes first celebrity to call for Turkey boycott amid rising Indo-Pak tensions
PCB Appoints Mike Hesson As White-ball Head Coach, Aqib Javed Named Director High-performance
Donald Trump, market volatility and seven steps you can take to guard finances
Keir Starmer gives Britain biggest clue yet that Labour is panicking
Nation must stand united behind armed forces, not tolerate terrorism: HP Minister Vikramaditya Singh
