Georgetown University graduate student Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national teaching on a student visa, was detained by federal immigration authorities outside his home in Virginia. The government claimed his visa was revoked, but no reason was provided. Suri, a postdoctoral fellow specializing in conflict resolution, has no known misconduct. The government’s action is criticized as unjust, resembling previous deportations of students involved in political activities. Suri’s lawyer filed a petition to determine the legality of his detainment. The university supports his right to academic freedom and debate. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended deportations by stating that student visas are not a guaranteed right. Suri’s research focuses on religious, ethnic conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia, with a current project investigating barriers to cooperation in diverse societies. ICE has also detained another student activist, Leqaa Kordia, who participated in protests and overstayed her visa. Georgetown University has not received a clear explanation for Suri’s detention. Suri’s lawyer condemns the government’s actions as unjust and asserts his client’s innocence. The case highlights concerns about academic freedom and the treatment of foreign scholars in the U.S.
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