Kseniia Petrova, a Russian scientist conducting research at Harvard on a J-1 visa, was detained by ICE after failing to declare frog embryos at customs. Despite the minor nature of her violation, the CBP canceled her visa and transferred her to ICE custody. Her lawyer argues that this reaction is disproportionate and highlights the severe implications of deportation given her outspoken political stance against Russia’s actions. Petrova's detention has severely impacted her work and personal life, prompting calls for her release pending further legal proceedings.
Rather than imposing the appropriate monetary penalties for the customs violation, CBP improperly invoked their extensive immigration authority to impose a punishment grossly disproportionate to the situation.
Her situation is especially dire because the U.S. government is seeking to deport her to Russia, where she faces the threat of arrest due to her prior political activism.
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