Trump’s Crackdown on Illegal Immigration: 205 Indians Deported as Policy Tightens

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Trump’s New Policy on Illegal Immigration

US President Donald Trump has intensified his crackdown on illegal immigration, leading to the deportation of a significant number of undocumented Indian nationals. In line with his administration’s strict immigration policies, a US military aircraft has deported 205 Indian nationals who had entered the country illegally. This move is part of a larger effort, with India and the US identifying approximately 18,000 Indian nationals residing in the US without legal status. The US Department of Homeland Security has already deported over 1,100 Indians in the 2023-24 period, and this number is expected to rise.

This deportation comes just days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the US, his first after Trump secured a second term as President. The Indian government, through the Ministry of External Affairs, has expressed its commitment to taking back verified Indian nationals living illegally abroad. This deportation marks the beginning of a larger effort to repatriate thousands of Indian migrants.

The Scale of Indian Illegal Migration to the US

The number of Indian nationals attempting illegal entry into the US has surged in recent years. In the 2023-24 period alone, US authorities recorded 90,415 unauthorized attempts by Indian migrants, primarily through the northern border. Indians now account for around 3% of all unauthorized border crossings, surpassing other Asian nationalities, such as Filipinos, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data.

As part of the broader immigration enforcement efforts, the US has conducted 495 repatriation flights, deporting 160,000 individuals to 145 countries, including India. The recent deportation of 205 Indians on a US military aircraft is likely the first of many such flights targeting illegal Indian immigrants.

The Indian Government’s Stance on Illegal Immigration

India has officially expressed its opposition to illegal immigration, citing links to organized crime and national security concerns. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar previously stated that New Delhi is open to the “legitimate return” of its nationals found living illegally in foreign countries, provided their identities are verified.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, reaffirmed this stance:

“For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India.”

The US’s Strict Immigration Enforcement

Trump has made immigration enforcement a cornerstone of his presidency, promising to deport illegal immigrants at an unprecedented scale. Speaking to reporters last month, he declared, “For the first time in history, we are locating and loading illegal aliens into military aircraft and flying them back to the places from which they came.”

A spokesperson for the US Embassy in New Delhi emphasized that the US government is committed to enforcing its borders and removing illegal migrants: “These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk.”

This deportation aligns with Trump’s broader immigration strategy, which has previously included deportations to Latin American countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.

Why Do Indians Attempt Illegal Migration?

Economic challenges and restrictive visa policies are the primary drivers of illegal migration from India to the US. Russell A. Stamets, a partner at Circle of Counsels, highlighted the economic disparity: “The lowest per capita income in the US is $48,110, in the state of Mississippi. The net national income for India is about 2.4% of that—around $1,161—and Bihar has the lowest per capita income at about $708, or around 1.5% of the poorest state in the US. There will always be people looking to better their life situation.”

Zeeshan Farooqui, a partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, pointed out the difficulties in obtaining legal entry into the US: “Many Indians face restrictions and long delays in obtaining visas or green cards. This drives some to explore alternative routes, often at great financial and personal risk.”

The Consequences of Stricter Immigration Policies

The recent deportation of 205 Indian nationals signals a stricter approach to immigration enforcement under Trump’s administration. With 18,000 Indian illegal immigrants identified, more repatriation flights are expected. For India, the increasing rate of illegal migration poses economic and diplomatic challenges, while for the US, it represents a broader commitment to tightening border security.

For aspiring migrants, this crackdown serves as a stark warning about the risks of illegal entry. The growing economic disparity and visa restrictions continue to push people toward desperate measures. However, with both governments cooperating on immigration enforcement, the message is clear—illegal migration carries severe consequences, and legal pathways remain the safest route for those seeking a better future abroad.

 

(With inputs from agencies)

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