WASHINGTON, DC – 12th May 2025
In a powerful moment that captured the emotions of many, an Indian student facing deportation stole the spotlight at a U.S. university graduation ceremony, while South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faced loud boos from the crowd. The event highlighted both the struggles and the triumphs experienced by immigrants, especially international students, under U.S. immigration policies.
The student, whose name is being withheld for privacy reasons, was brought to the United States as a minor and studied diligently to earn a place at one of the top public universities. Despite being an outstanding scholar and leader on campus, the student is facing deportation due to outdated immigration policies first introduced under the Trump administration.
A Standing Ovation Amid Fear of Deportation
During the graduation ceremony, the Indian student was called to the stage and received not just a diploma, but a standing ovation from classmates, faculty, and attendees. The moment was emotionally charged, as the student’s story had spread widely across the campus. People admired the courage and resilience shown in the face of such uncertainty.
Many professors and fellow students described the student as a role model who worked part-time jobs, volunteered in community programs, and excelled academically. Some even said the student served as an unofficial mentor to younger international students.
“I can’t believe someone who has contributed so much to our community is being forced to leave,” said one fellow graduate. “This is not what America stands for.”
Trump-Era Policy Still Haunts Students
The student’s risk of deportation comes from a strict immigration policy introduced during former President Donald Trump’s term. The rules made it easier to deny or revoke student visas and complicated extensions and work permits. Many students from India, China, and Latin America have faced similar situations, often through no fault of their own.
Legal experts say the student’s deportation case is not unique but part of a larger trend that affects thousands of international students each year. The student’s attorney is currently fighting the decision, arguing for a reconsideration based on merit, community impact, and human rights.
Campus Rallies Behind the Student
The university’s student body and faculty have united in support of the Indian student. Days before graduation, a petition demanding a stay on the deportation order received over 50,000 signatures. Several professors and alumni have written letters to U.S. immigration officials urging them to allow the student to remain in the country.
“Our country benefits from students like this one,” said a faculty member. “They bring global perspectives, strong work ethics, and enrich our society. Deporting such talent is a mistake.”
Kristi Noem Booed During Speech
In sharp contrast to the emotional celebration of the student’s achievement, Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota was loudly booed while giving her graduation speech at the same event. Her appearance came just weeks after controversial remarks she made about immigration, gun rights, and her recent scandal involving the killing of her dog, which has damaged her national image.
As she began her speech, a significant portion of the audience started booing. Some students held signs reading, “Not My Speaker” and “Students Deserve Better.” The noise made it difficult for her to continue at times. While she tried to speak over the crowd, it was clear she had lost their support.
Noem, a possible Republican presidential candidate, has been under fire not only for her immigration stance but also for openly admitting to shooting her dog, which many found disturbing. Critics argue that her values do not represent today’s students or the immigrant communities they stand with.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Social media was flooded with clips of both the student’s emotional moment and Governor Noem’s awkward speech. The contrast between the two stories quickly went viral.
“America is about second chances and hard work,” one Twitter user posted. “That student embodies everything we should support. Kristi Noem, on the other hand, doesn’t speak for us.”
On the other side, some conservative voices defended the governor, saying students were disrespectful and lacked understanding of national security concerns related to immigration. However, the overwhelming online response favored the student and criticized the treatment of immigrants under past administrations.
Immigration Advocates Call for Policy Reform
The incident has renewed calls for immigration reform in the United States. Organizations supporting international students are urging the Biden administration and lawmakers to revise outdated visa policies and create clearer paths for long-term residency and employment for students who have lived and contributed in the U.S. for years.
“This is not just one student’s problem,” said an activist with the American Immigration Council. “It is a broken system that punishes people for trying to do the right thing.”
Lawmakers from both parties have proposed bills to protect international students, but most have failed to pass due to political divisions. Advocates say now is the time to act.
The Bigger Picture: Education, Hope, and Justice
The story of the Indian student goes beyond graduation. It represents the hope and dreams of millions of young people who come to the United States with a goal: to learn, to grow, and to contribute. It also shows the emotional and legal difficulties that immigrants face in a country that is still debating what it means to be American.
Educators across the country have called for more protections for students who find themselves caught between outdated policies and modern realities. Universities are pushing for better support systems, including legal aid, counseling, and visa guidance.
For the Indian student, the future remains uncertain. But for now, the graduation moment stands as a symbol of courage, community, and justice.
“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow,” the student told a local news station. “But today, I feel seen. I feel loved. And that means everything.”
