Key Takeaways
• On June 7, 2025, an Indian student was handcuffed, restrained, and deported at Newark Liberty International Airport.
• US Embassy condemned visa abuse, emphasized strict immigration law enforcement after public outcry over the incident.
• New US visa rules suspend F, M, J student appointments and expand social media screening from 2019.
A recent incident at Newark Liberty International Airport involving an Indian student has sparked strong reactions from both the United States 🇺🇸 and India 🇮🇳, highlighting growing concerns about visa enforcement and the treatment of international students. On June 7, 2025, the student was handcuffed, restrained, and deported upon arrival in New Jersey. The event, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has led to official statements from the US Embassy, diplomatic outreach by Indian authorities, and a broader discussion about the rights and responsibilities of international travelers.
What Happened at Newark Liberty International Airport?
On the morning of June 7, 2025, an Indian student landed at Newark Liberty International Airport, hoping to begin a new chapter in the United States 🇺🇸. Instead, his arrival ended in distress. According to Kunal Jain, an Indian-American entrepreneur who witnessed the scene, the student was:
- Handcuffed and restrained by both hands and legs
- Pinned to the ground by two police officers
- Visibly upset, crying, and repeatedly saying he was not mentally unstable
- Denied the chance to speak with someone in Hindi
- Denied access to an attorney
Jain described the treatment as harsh, stating the student was “treated like a criminal” and “came chasing dreams, not causing harm.” The video Jain posted on X (formerly Twitter) quickly went viral, drawing attention from both the Indian diaspora and officials in India and the United States 🇺🇸.
Jain later told India Today TV that the student, who spoke Haryanvi (a dialect from Haryana, India 🇮🇳), seemed confused and unable to explain his purpose for entering the country. Jain suggested that this confusion may have led authorities to suspect the student had mental health issues or was attempting to enter the country without proper documentation.
US Embassy Responds: Zero Tolerance for Visa Abuse
In response to the public outcry, the US Embassy in India 🇮🇳 issued a statement on June 10, 2025, emphasizing the country’s stance on immigration:
“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 US law.”
The embassy did not provide specific details about the student’s case or clarify what led to his deportation. However, the message was clear: visa abuse and violations of US law will not be tolerated. This statement reflects a broader trend of stricter immigration enforcement, especially under the current administration.
Indian Government Seeks Answers
The incident quickly caught the attention of Indian authorities. The Consulate General of India in New York acknowledged the situation on June 9, 2025, stating they were aware of social media reports and were “in touch with local authorities.” The Consulate reassured the public that it remains committed to the welfare of Indian nationals.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India 🇮🇳 also took action, formally raising the issue with the US Embassy in New Delhi on June 10, 2025. Both the Indian Embassy in Washington DC and the Consulate in New York have reached out to US officials to gather more information.
As of June 10, 2025, Indian officials reported that they had not yet received full details about the incident, including the reasons for the student’s restraint, the flight he was put on, or his final destination. The MEA stated, “We continue to follow up on the matter.”
Why Did This Happen? The Broader Context
This incident did not occur in isolation. It comes at a time of heightened immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸, especially since President Trump returned to office in January 2025. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, about 1,080 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States 🇺🇸 since January 2025.
The political climate in the United States 🇺🇸 has also become more tense. Large protests have taken place in cities like Los Angeles, where people have demonstrated against President Trump’s strict immigration policies. Some protests have turned violent, with self-driving cars set on fire and highways blocked. President Trump even sent the National Guard to California without the governor’s approval, leading Governor Gavin Newsom to call the move “an illegal act, an immoral act, an unconstitutional act.”
These events show that immigration policy is a hot topic in the United States 🇺🇸, with strong feelings on all sides.
New US Visa Rules Affecting International Students
The incident at Newark Liberty International Airport also comes amid significant changes to US visa policies, especially for international students. In late May 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 introduced new restrictions that have made it harder for students from abroad to enter the country. Key changes include:
- Suspension of new appointments for F, M, and J visas: These are the main visas for academic, vocational, and exchange students. Without new appointments, many students cannot even begin the process to study in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Expanded social media screening: Students must now provide information about their online activity going back to 2019. This includes posts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms.
- Review of online behavior and affiliations: US authorities are checking not just what students post, but also their participation in protests, demonstrations, and any police records.
- Strict warnings from the US Embassy: The US Embassy in India 🇮🇳 has warned that students who drop out, skip classes, or leave their program without telling their school may have their visas revoked. This could also make them ineligible for future US visas.
These changes mean that students must be extra careful about following all rules and keeping their records clean. Even small mistakes or misunderstandings can lead to serious consequences, including deportation.
For more information on the F-1 student visa and requirements, readers can visit the official US Department of State Student Visa page.
Public Reaction: Outrage and Fear
The video of the Indian student being handcuffed and deported has caused anger and fear among the Indian community in the United States 🇺🇸 and India 🇮🇳. Many people feel that the student was treated unfairly and that the punishment did not fit the situation.
Kunal Jain, who witnessed the event, said the student was treated in a way “the United States doesn’t even reserve for terrorists.” He also claimed that similar incidents are happening every day, with “3-4 such cases” occurring regularly.
These stories have made many Indian students and their families nervous about traveling to the United States 🇺🇸. Some worry that even if they follow all the rules, they could still face problems at the airport.
The Importance of Proper Visa Documentation
This incident highlights how important it is for international students to have all their paperwork in order before traveling to the United States 🇺🇸. Here are some key steps students should take:
- Carry all required documents: This includes your passport, visa, I-20 form (for F-1 students), admission letter, and proof of financial support.
- Be ready to explain your purpose: Immigration officers may ask why you are coming to the United States 🇺🇸, where you will study, and how you will pay for your education.
- Know your rights: While travelers do not have the same rights as US citizens, you can ask for an interpreter if you do not understand English well. However, access to an attorney is not guaranteed at the border.
- Stay calm and respectful: If you are questioned, answer honestly and politely. Do not argue or become upset, as this can make the situation worse.
If you are unsure about what documents you need, you can find more information on the US Customs and Border Protection website.
What Does This Mean for Indian Students?
Despite these challenges, the United States 🇺🇸 remains a top destination for Indian students. According to recent data, more than 331,000 Indian students were enrolled in US schools during the 2023-24 academic year, a 23% increase from the previous year. This shows that many Indian students still see value in studying in the United States 🇺🇸, even as rules become stricter.
However, the recent incident at Newark Liberty International Airport is a reminder that the journey is not always easy. Students must be prepared for tough questions and must follow all rules closely. Even small mistakes or confusion at the airport can lead to serious problems.
Education experts say that while the pathway for Indian students is still open, it is more important than ever to be careful and well-prepared. As reported by VisaVerge.com, students should double-check their documents, understand the latest visa rules, and be ready to explain their plans clearly to immigration officers.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Indian Students and Families
- Increased anxiety: Stories like this can make students and their families worry about safety and fairness at US airports.
- Need for better preparation: Students must be more careful than ever with paperwork and must understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Possible delays or denials: With stricter rules, some students may face longer wait times or even denial of entry.
For US Schools and Universities
- Potential drop in enrollment: If students feel unsafe or unwelcome, they may choose to study in other countries.
- Need for better support: Schools may need to offer more help to international students, including pre-departure briefings and legal advice.
For Immigration Authorities
- Pressure to enforce rules: US authorities are under pressure to prevent visa abuse and illegal entry.
- Balancing security and fairness: Officers must follow the law but also treat travelers with respect and dignity.
What Should Students Do Next?
If you are an Indian student planning to travel to the United States 🇺🇸, here are some practical steps to follow:
- Check the latest visa rules: Visit the US Embassy website for updates on student visa policies.
- Prepare all documents: Make sure you have your passport, visa, I-20 form, admission letter, and proof of funds.
- Practice your answers: Be ready to explain your study plans, school details, and how you will support yourself.
- Stay informed: Follow news from trusted sources, including your school and official government websites.
- Contact your school: Let your school know your travel plans and ask for advice if you have questions.
- Know who to contact in an emergency: Save the contact information for the Indian Consulate in the city where you will arrive.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for All International Students
The handcuffing and deportation of an Indian student at Newark Liberty International Airport is a stark reminder of the challenges international students can face. While the United States 🇺🇸 continues to welcome students from around the world, the rules are stricter than ever, and enforcement is tough. Students must be well-prepared, follow all rules, and stay informed about the latest changes in visa policy.
Both the US Embassy and Indian authorities are watching this case closely. The outcome may shape how future cases are handled and could influence the experiences of thousands of Indian students hoping to study in the United States 🇺🇸.
For now, the best advice is to be prepared, stay informed, and follow all rules carefully. This will help ensure a smoother journey and a safer, more successful experience in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Newark Liberty International Airport → Major airport in New Jersey serving international and domestic flights, site of the student’s deportation.
F, M, and J Visas → Visa categories for academic, vocational, and exchange students entering the United States for study programs.
Deportation → The formal removal of a non-citizen from a country for violating immigration laws or visa terms.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs → Government agency responsible for India’s diplomatic relations and protecting Indian nationals abroad.
Social Media Screening → Process of reviewing applicants’ online activities to assess eligibility for visas or entry.
This Article in a Nutshell
An Indian student’s June 2025 deportation at Newark Airport sparked diplomatic tension and highlighted stricter US visa enforcement, impacting thousands of international students amid new regulations.
— By VisaVerge.com
