First Batch of Illegal Migrants Arrives, Political Storm Erupts in Delhi
In a dramatic turn of events, the first batch of illegal Indian migrants deported from the United States has landed in India, triggering a heated political debate in New Delhi. The arrival of a second batch, consisting of 119 deportees, is set for Sunday at Amritsar Airport, following the earlier deportation of 104 individuals on February 5. The deportations have fueled a fierce war of words between political parties, with opposition leaders criticizing the conditions in which migrants were returned and questioning the government’s handling of the situation.
While External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has assured that the Indian government is engaging with the US on the matter, opposition leaders accuse the ruling BJP of failing to protect its citizens from harsh treatment abroad. The controversy is likely to intensify as more deportees arrive in the coming weeks.
Second Batch of Deportees: Who Are They?
The 119 deportees set to arrive in India mainly hail from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, states that have witnessed a surge in illegal migration through the “Dunkey” route—an underground network used by human smugglers to transport individuals into the US. Among the deportees:
67 are from Punjab
33 from Haryana
8 from Gujarat
3 from Uttar Pradesh
2 each from Maharashtra and Rajasthan
1 each from Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir
Unlike previous deportations, US authorities have reportedly ensured that this batch will not be shackled or handcuffed, following diplomatic concerns raised after the previous group’s arrival in chains.
The “Dunkey” Route: A Dangerous Journey to the US
Many of the deportees had embarked on perilous journeys spanning months, often paying lakhs of rupees to human traffickers who facilitated their illegal entry into the US. The Punjab and Haryana governments have since launched crackdowns on these trafficking networks, arresting agents responsible for duping desperate migrants.
US-India Dialogue: Modi and Trump Address Deportations
The issue of illegal immigration was also on the agenda during the recent high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.. The discussion revolved around two key aspects:
- Easing legal travel for students, professionals, and business travellers.
- Cracking down on illegal immigration and human trafficking to prevent such incidents in the future.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that both nations reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring public safety while strengthening diplomatic ties and national security measures.
Indian Government’s Response: Ensuring Fair Treatment of Deportees
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that Indian deportations from the US have been ongoing for years, with over 15,668 illegal Indian migrants deported since 2009. He reassured Parliament that the government is working to ensure fair treatment of Indian deportees and facilitate their reintegration into society.
Legal experts, such as Senior Advocate KK Mannan, have clarified that returnees will not face legal action in India unless they traveled using forged documents. However, their return raises concerns over employment opportunities and social reintegration, particularly for those who invested heavily in their illegal migration journey.
Political Backlash: Opposition Targets Modi Government
The mass deportation has led to political outcry in India, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP government of diplomatic failure in preventing the ill-treatment of Indian migrants abroad. Several opposition parties have demanded a formal protest against the harsh treatment of deportees, urging stronger negotiations with Washington.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have defended the government’s stance, arguing that illegal immigration undermines India’s global reputation and that the administration is focused on ensuring safer, legal migration channels for its citizens.
Modi’s Strategy: Navigating the Diplomatic Minefield
With tensions rising, Prime Minister Modi has a critical task ahead—balancing diplomatic relations with the US while addressing domestic political concerns. His upcoming engagements in Washington include meetings with key leaders such as tech mogul Elon Musk and Indian-American politician Vivek Ramaswamy, where immigration is expected to be a key discussion point.
Additionally, reciprocal trade tariffs and visa policies will be a major focus of Modi’s continued negotiations with the US, as Washington reshapes its global alliances.
A Test of Modi’s Leadership
As deportations continue, the Modi government faces mounting pressure to ensure the dignity and rights of Indian deportees while preventing further illegal migration. The challenge lies in striking a balance between domestic political pressures and maintaining strong US-India ties.
Modi’s strategic diplomacy and domestic policy measures will play a crucial role in determining how India handles this crisis. Will the BJP government successfully address the political fallout while forging stronger international cooperation on immigration? The coming months will be a litmus test for Modi’s leadership on the global stage.
(With inputs from agencies)
