Noem's honorary degree sparks protest; meanwhile, a student she's trying to deport earns a doctorate

[Eugene]

Source: South Dakota Searchlight

Noem’s honorary degree sparks protest; meanwhile, a student she’s trying to deport earns a doctorate

Contrasting scenes play out on opposite sides of South Dakota

By: Joshua Haiar and Seth Tupper - May 10, 2025 4:03 pm

An international student in western South Dakota overcame Kristi Noem’s attempt to stop her from graduating Saturday, while hundreds of people protested on the other side of the state where Noem received an honorary degree and delivered a commencement speech.

The international student is Priya Saxena, from India. She received two degrees from South Dakota Mines in Rapid City: a doctorate in chemical and biological engineering and a master’s degree in chemical engineering.

Noem’s U.S. Department of Homeland Security — which she has led since resigning as South Dakota governor in January — has been trying to deport Saxena since last month, asserting that Saxena’s permission to stay in the country should be revoked because she was convicted four years ago of failing to move over for flashing yellow lights, a misdemeanor. The action is part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.

Saxena’s student visa is not scheduled to expire until 2027, and if allowed to stay in the country, she could apply for an extension to work in fields related to her degrees.

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Read more: https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/05/10/noems-honorary-degree-sparks-protest-meanwhile-a-student-shes-trying-to-deport-earns-a-doctorate/