The United States has intensified its immigration enforcement, reportedly deporting Indians deemed illegal migrants. Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and BCCI vice-president, claimed that the US is deporting 7.25 lakh Indian nationals. He expressed concerns about the fate of deportees who had been residing in the US for years.
“Today I attended Foreign Ministry meeting in Parliament. There I came to know that America is sending back 7.25 lakh Indians by calling them illegal. These lakhs of people have been living there for years. They earn well in India, they have nothing left. What will they do after coming here? They have suddenly become poor from rich,” reads Congress leader Rajeev Shukla’s post on X.
A spokesperson from the US Embassy on Tuesday confirmed the crackdown, stating, “The United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants.” Although details of the deportation flights remain undisclosed, US authorities maintain that these measures are aimed at deterring illegal migration.
Trump Administration’s Tough Stance
President Donald Trump, in his second term, has swiftly reinforced his campaign promise of stringent immigration policies. The administration has signed multiple executive orders bolstering border security and accelerating deportations. Reports indicate that a US military aircraft has transported deported Indian migrants back to India, reflecting the policy’s growing impact.
India’s Response to Mass Deportation
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged the issue, emphasizing its commitment to handling illegal migration responsibly. Following a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 27, Trump expressed confidence that India would facilitate the repatriation process.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We will take them back provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality.” However, he cautioned that it remains unclear how many Indians currently reside illegally in the US.
Impact on Indian Migrants
The mass deportation is expected to disrupt the lives of thousands of Indian migrants, many of whom sought better economic opportunities in the US. The crackdown has also raised concerns about the future of Indian nationals on temporary visas or those pursuing permanent residency.
As Washington tightens its policies, legal pathways to employment and citizenship could become even more restrictive. This move signals a significant shift in US immigration policy, underscoring a stricter approach towards unauthorized migration.
The US government’s actions serve as a warning to individuals considering unauthorised entry. “These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,” a US official stressed.
As deportations continue, India faces the challenge of reintegrating deportees while addressing the broader issue of illegal migration. With immigration policies becoming increasingly rigid, the global impact of the US crackdown remains to be seen.