104 Indian Migrants Deported by U.S. as Part of Crackdown

First U.S. Deportation Flight of Indian Migrants Lands in India

A flight carrying 104 deported Indian migrants landed in northern India on Wednesday, marking the first such flight as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration initiated by the Trump administration. The deportees, who had illegally entered the United States over the years, hailed from various Indian states, reflecting the widespread nature of the issue.

This significant development comes just days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Washington, where bilateral discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to focus on critical matters, including immigration, trade, and security cooperation. Ahead of the visit, both leaders had a phone conversation, where Trump emphasized the importance of India’s purchase of more American-made security equipment and the need for fairer trade relations.

U.S. Deportation Flights: A Focus on Immigration Control

The deportation of Indian nationals is a part of a larger U.S. initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration, a longstanding challenge for the American government. While many countries have resisted deportation efforts, India has cooperated with the U.S. in the verification and acceptance of deported citizens. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has made it clear that it is committed to tackling illegal immigration, particularly as it is often associated with organized crime, and has agreed to facilitate the return of Indian nationals once their identity is verified.

Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, emphasized this stance last month: “If Indians are found to be overstaying or in a country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided the necessary documents are shared with us to verify their nationality.”

This agreement signals a continued partnership between India and the U.S., with both nations prioritizing stronger immigration controls. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the significance of deportation flights as an effective tool to curb illegal migration. According to Rubio, the flights not only address the issue at hand but also serve as a deterrent to others considering illegal migration.

Deportations on the Rise: Analyzing the Numbers

According to India’s junior External Affairs Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, a total of 519 Indian nationals were deported from the U.S. between November 2023 and October 2024. The data points to the growing trend of deportations, with flights operated by both commercial and chartered planes. Reports also highlight that there are approximately 725,000 undocumented Indians residing in the U.S., with many coming from the states of Punjab and Gujarat.

In 2024, Indian nationals accounted for about 3% of all illegal border crossings in the United States, with significant numbers of undocumented individuals facing final removal orders or being detained in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) centers. As of November 2024, around 20,407 undocumented Indians were either facing deportation or held in detention, further demonstrating the scale of the issue.

India’s Stance: Accepting Deported Nationals

Despite the challenges posed by illegal immigration, India has reiterated its commitment to taking back citizens who are verified to be Indian nationals. This cooperative approach has ensured that the deportations are smooth and within the framework of international agreements. India’s position remains firm—while acknowledging the challenges of managing illegal immigration, the country has pledged to facilitate the return of its nationals who are deported from foreign countries.

Also Read:New Visa Policies Make Global Travel Easier for Indian Tourists

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