Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: Indian Express

Context:

The U.S. has deported more than 100 Indian citizens using military aircraft, in line with the Trump administration's intensified efforts to remove undocumented immigrants.

India stance on illegal immigration to the US

India has agreed to take back its citizens who have entered the US illegally. The government has assured US officials that it will verify the nationality of these individuals before repatriation.

Undocumented Indians in the US

Approximately 7,25,000 undocumented Indians are living in the US. Of these, around 20,000 are under Trump’s deportation radar, with nearly 18,000 facing final removal orders.

Why is India willing to accept deported illegal immigrants?

India sees this as a low-cost settlement to maintain strong diplomatic ties with the US. The priority is to ensure that legal migration channels, including student and work visas, remain unaffected.

India is negotiating with US officials to maintain student and work visa programs. In 2024, the US issued over 1 million nonimmigrant visas to Indians, and India wants to keep this trend going without any restrictions.

US intensified its immigration crackdown under President Trump

The Trump administration has significantly increased deportations. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has ramped up arrests, detention centers have expanded, and military aircraft are being used for deportation flights. Trump aims to deport up to a million undocumented migrants annually.

Way Forward

India will continue working diplomatically to balance legal migration while cooperating on illegal immigration. The key focus is to ensure that H-1B visas, student visas, and business travel remain unaffected.

Must Read Articles:

Navigating India-US Trade Policy

INDIA-US TIES

Source:

INDIANEXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Analyze the long-term geopolitical implications of the U.S.’s tough stance on illegal immigration for global migration trends. 150 words