US Indians Deportation: 104 Indians Deported Amid Trump’s Strict Immigration Policies
The United States continues to crack down on illegal immigrants, with recent deportation efforts ramping up under former President Donald Trump’s administration. In the latest development, a C-17 military aircraft returned 104 Indian nationals to Amritsar, India.
Deportation Marks Trump’s Tough Stance on Immigration
President Trump’s strong stance on immigration has been evident since his inauguration. Shortly after assuming office, he signed an executive order targeting illegal immigrants. Acting on this directive, the U.S. administration deported 104 Indian nationals in a military aircraft that landed at Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport on Wednesday at 1:55 PM.
Who Were the Deported Individuals?
Among the deported individuals:
- 30 were from Punjab,
- 33 each from Haryana and Gujarat,
- 3 each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh,
- 2 from Chandigarh.
While official confirmation of the numbers is awaited, earlier reports suggested that the aircraft was carrying 205 illegal immigrants. This marks the first deportation batch of Indian nationals under Trump’s administration, highlighting a significant shift in immigration enforcement.
Wider Deportation Trends
In the last two weeks alone, the U.S. has deported illegal immigrants from countries such as Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. India, being geographically distant, is a notable addition to these efforts.
Why is the Indian Government Silent?
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has refrained from making any direct comments on the deportation. However, a spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi stressed that illegal immigration poses significant risks and reiterated Trump’s zero-tolerance policy.
PM Modi’s Upcoming Visit to the U.S.
The deportations come just a week ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Washington, D.C., on February 12–13. Both nations are finalizing the agenda for this high-profile diplomatic trip.
India’s Response to the Deportation Policy
India has emphasized its opposition to illegal immigration, citing its links to organized crime. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India will accept deported individuals provided their nationality is verified. However, Jaiswal noted that discussions about the exact number of illegal Indian immigrants in the U.S. are premature.
Congress Leader’s Concerns
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla raised concerns about the issue, stating that the U.S. plans to deport 725,000 Indian nationals. He questioned how India plans to reintegrate these individuals once they return.
Strict Action Against Illegal Entry
Last October, the U.S. had already chartered a plane to deport Indian citizens overstaying their visas or lacking valid documentation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws and taking strict action against those entering the U.S. illegally.