In a disturbing development, a video showing an Indian student being handcuffed and deported from Newark Liberty International Airport has gone viral. The incident was first shared by Kunal Jain, an Indian-American entrepreneur and social media influencer, who was scheduled to board the same flight as the student.
“He came chasing dreams, not causing harm… I felt helpless and heartbroken,” Jain wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Incident: What Happened at Newark?
- The student was allegedly detained and deported.
- He was crying and handcuffed, leading to emotional reactions from onlookers.
- Jain tagged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Indian Embassy in his post, urging diplomatic attention.
The reasons for the student’s deportation remain unclear, but it has sparked conversations about immigration policies, racial treatment, and the treatment of foreign students in the U.S.
Indian Embassy Responds
The Indian Embassy in New York swiftly responded, stating:
“We are in touch with local authorities… The Consulate remains ever committed to the welfare of Indian nationals.”
This reassurance, however, hasn’t completely calmed the growing public outrage and debate across social platforms.
Internet Reacts: From Sympathy to Skepticism
The viral video has divided social media:
Sympathy & Anger
- Many users criticized the harsh public treatment.
- Some expressed dismay at how Indian students are treated abroad, despite contributing significantly to U.S. universities.
Questions & Backlash
- Some netizens questioned Jain’s motives, asking why he didn’t intervene if he felt so bad.
- Others speculated the student may have had visa or documentation issues.
“He had an illegal status. He should be deported,” said one user.
The Bigger Picture: Indian Students in the US
This incident adds to growing concerns about:
- Visa denials and deportations
- Mental health pressures
- Uncertain immigration policies post-COVID
There’s a rising chorus urging Indian students to reconsider pursuing education in the U.S., with many citing:
- High costs
- Safety concerns
- Shifting global opportunities
“India is a rising superpower—why mourn returning?” one user wrote, flipping the narrative.
What Now?
- The Indian government may push for better protections and legal support for Indian students abroad.
- Universities and student bodies may need to review how such cases are handled, especially in public view.
- For aspiring students, this is a moment of reckoning—balancing dreams with reality.
