Russian Scientist Detained in the U.S. Faces Deportation Amid Political Persecution Fears

In a troubling development, Russian scientist Kseniia Petrova, a researcher at Harvard Medical School, has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities and now faces possible deportation to Russia. Her case has drawn widespread attention, raising concerns about the treatment of international scholars and the potential dangers of deporting individuals who have spoken out against the Kremlin.

Who is Kseniia Petrova?

Petrova is a bioinformatics researcher who specializes in protein phosphorylation during oocyte meiotic divisions—an area of study with implications for fertility and cell biology. She graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) before fleeing Russia due to her outspoken opposition to Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

In the spring of 2023, she relocated to Boston from the Republic of Georgia to work at Harvard Medical School in Dr. Marc Kirschner's lab in the Department of Systems Biology. Her move was driven by growing fears of political persecution in Russia, where anti-war activists and scientists have faced increasing repression.

The Arrest and Detention

On February 16, Petrova was detained at Boston Logan International Airport after returning from a research trip to France. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials reportedly discovered undeclared frog embryo samples in her luggage—materials related to her scientific research. While such a customs violation would typically result in a fine, her visa was revoked, and she was taken into immigration custody.

Following her detention, she was transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Vermont before being moved to a larger detention center in Louisiana. Petrova now shares a crowded room with 80 other women, while her future in the U.S. remains uncertain.

The Growing Threat of Deportation

Petrova’s supporters fear that if she is deported, she could face persecution in Russia, where returning dissidents are frequently arrested, harassed, or forced into military service. The U.S. recently resumed deportations of Russian nationals, including asylum seekers, further heightening the risks for Petrova.

For many critics of the Putin regime, deportation could mean imprisonment or even conscription into Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. As an anti-war activist, Petrova would be particularly vulnerable to political retaliation.

Legal Efforts and Community Response

Despite not being charged with any crime, Petrova remains in ICE detention. Her friends and colleagues have launched an online campaign to fund her legal defense and support her living expenses. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $14,000 to cover her legal fees and provide support while she awaits her immigration hearing.

Petrova’s legal team is working to secure her release and has begun the process of applying for a new work visa. However, the visa application process is expected to take several months, during which time she will be unable to work legally.

The Broader Implications

Petrova’s case highlights the precarious situation faced by international scholars, particularly those from authoritarian regimes. Her detention and the threat of deportation have sparked criticism from human rights advocates and scientific communities, who argue that U.S. immigration policies should consider the political realities faced by individuals seeking safety.

Calls for Action

Petrova’s supporters are calling on the U.S. government to halt her deportation and grant her the opportunity to continue her research at Harvard. Her case has become a rallying point for those advocating for the protection of dissidents and scientists seeking refuge from repressive regimes.

---

The detention of Kseniia Petrova serves as a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of immigration enforcement policies. For Petrova, a return to Russia could mean persecution or worse. Her supporters, both in the scientific community and beyond, are fighting to ensure she remains safe and able to continue her vital research in the United States.