India Engages US Over Fair Treatment of Deportees.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha regarding Indian citizens deported from the United States. He emphasized that every country has a responsibility to take back its citizens if they are found living illegally abroad. He assured that discussions with the US government are ongoing to ensure fair treatment of returning deportees and to prevent any inhumane treatment during the deportation process.
Action Against Illegal Immigration Industry
Jaishankar stated, “The House will appreciate that our focus is on strict action against the illegal immigration industry. This should also happen.” He mentioned that based on information from deportees, law enforcement agencies will take necessary action against fraudulent agents and organizations involved in illegal immigration. He stressed that human traffickers and fake agents exploit innocent people, promising them a better future abroad but instead leaving them in dire situations.
Deportation Is a Long-Standing Process
The External Affairs Minister clarified that deportation is not a new phenomenon and has existed for many years. He reiterated that the responsibility of repatriating illegal citizens applies to all nations, not just India. He added that India has always complied with international norms and has cooperated with foreign governments in dealing with illegal immigration.
Officials to Investigate Deportation Cases
Jaishankar revealed that officials have been directed to interview every deported person to understand how they reached the US, who facilitated their travel, and how such incidents can be prevented in the future. Responding to a question by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, he confirmed that 104 deportees had returned the previous day and their Indian nationality had been verified. He emphasized that every case would be thoroughly investigated, and strong action would be taken against those responsible for illegal immigration.
Statistics on Indian Deportees From the US
Jaishankar presented data on the number of Indians deported from the US over the years. He reported that 734 Indians were deported in 2009, 799 in 2010, 597 in 2011, and 530 in 2012. He also provided deportation figures up to 2024, underlining the ongoing nature of the issue. The numbers highlight the importance of tackling illegal immigration effectively.
Political Uproar Over Deportation Issue
The opposition created an uproar in Parliament on Thursday regarding the deportation of undocumented Indians from the US. Protests intensified after a US military plane landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, carrying deported Indian citizens. Opposition leaders demanded greater transparency from the government regarding its agreements with the US on deportation policies.
First Deportation Under Trump’s Second Term
This is the first deportation of Indian nationals from the US since Donald Trump began his second term as President. The move comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Washington for extensive talks with Trump on bilateral relations and immigration policies. Analysts believe that the issue of illegal immigration will be a significant topic of discussion during Modi’s visit.
Details of the Deported Individuals
Among the deported individuals, 30 were from Punjab, 33 from Haryana and Gujarat, three from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. The group included 19 women and 13 minors, including a four-year-old boy and two girls aged five and seven. Many of the deportees had been living in the US for years, while others had recently attempted to enter the country illegally through human traffickers.
Challenges Faced by Deportees
Many deportees face severe hardships after returning to India. Some return with little to no financial resources, while others struggle with societal stigma. Government agencies are working on reintegration programs to assist deportees in rebuilding their lives. The Indian government is also exploring ways to strengthen legal pathways for migration so that fewer people feel compelled to seek illegal means of entry into foreign countries.
Strengthening India-US Cooperation on Immigration
As deportation cases continue, both India and the US are expected to enhance cooperation on immigration matters. India has been urging the US to streamline visa processes for skilled professionals and students while ensuring that genuine asylum seekers and workers are treated fairly.
The issue of illegal immigration remains a major challenge for India and the US. While efforts are being made to ensure fair treatment of deportees, the government continues to work on long-term solutions to curb illegal migration and protect Indian citizens from falling prey to fraudulent immigration agents.
Indians Deported from U.S. in Shackles, Controversy Erupts.
Supreme Court Slams Assam Over Foreigners’ Deportation Delay.
My Introduction.
