Indian student denied entry to US over WhatsApp group? A viral post asks international students to be vigilant
A viral post urged international students to exercise caution before joining any WhatsApp groups, citing the case of an Indian student who was denied entry to the United States due to WhatsApp activity. The post did not elaborate on what exactly happened, but claimed that a student who had returned to the United States from India after summer vacation was deported back to India. This happened after an officer attempted to check the student’s phone. The post claimed that the student was a member of a WhatsApp group that was sharing “ride-related information and homework-related content.”The post also added that they were not sure if the WhatsApp group was the only cause of concern.The claims in the social media post have not been independently verified by The Times of India.“Yesterday, I spoke with a student who said he was denied entry to India upon arrival at the Atlanta airport. According to him, officials checked his phone, including his WhatsApp conversations. He told me that he had done nothing wrong, but that he was a member of a WhatsApp group that was sharing ride-related information and assignment-related content. I cannot verify if this was the real reason for the decision, only the reason for the decision, and only immigration officials know the complete facts.”
An Indian student was denied entry to the United States after his WhatsApp was checked at the Atlanta airport, a social media post said.
The post said: “The student held an F1 visa and had about six months to complete his studies. He had already gone to India for a month of summer vacation and was about to return to the United States when the incident occurred.”The post shared on the NRI group also provides students with a checklist:Please be aware of the WhatsApp, Telegram and social media groups you join.Learn what’s shared in these groups.Avoid joining or remaining in groups that share illegal or inappropriate content.Keep your online presence professional and responsible, especially when traveling internationally.If an immigration officer asks to inspect your device, cooperate respectfully and answer honestly.
