A viral post urged international students to execise caution before they join any WhatsApp grpup, citing a case of an Indian student being denied entry to the US over WhatsApp activity. The post did not detail what exactly happened but claimed that a student who was returning to the US from India after summer vacation was sent back to India. This happened after an officer sought 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 assignment-related content".
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The post also added that they were not sure about whether the WhatsApp group was the only reason of concern.
The claim made by the social media post is not independently verified by TOI.
"Yesterday, I spoke with a student who said he was denied entry and sent back to India after arriving at Atlanta Airport. According to him, the officers checked his phone, including his WhatsApp conversations. He told me he hadn't done anything wrong, but he was a member of a WhatsApp group that was sharing ride-related information and assignment-related content. I cannot verify whether that was the actual reaon for the decision, and only the reason for the decision, and only the immigration officers know the complete facts," the post claimed.
"The student is on an F1 visa and still has about six months left to complete his studies. He had gone to India for a one-month summer vacation and was returning to the US when this happened," the post said.
The post shared on an NRI group also provided a checklist for students:
Be mindful of the WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media groups you join.
Know what is being shared in those groups.
Avoid participating in or remaining in groups that share illegal or inappropriate content.
Keep your online presence professional and responsible, especially when traveling internationally.
If immigration officers ask to inspect your devices, cooperate respectfully and answer honestly.
