The United States has ramped up its immigration enforcement, reportedly deporting thousands of Indian nationals deemed illegal migrants.
Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and BCCI vice-president, claimed that 7.25 lakh Indians are being deported, raising concerns about their future after years of living in the US.
"Today, I attended a Foreign Ministry meeting in Parliament, where I learned that America is sending back 7.25 lakh Indians, labeling them illegal. These people have been living there for years, earning well. Now, they have nothing left in India. What will they do after coming back? They have suddenly gone from rich to poor," Congress leader Rajeev Shukla wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
A US Embassy spokesperson on Tuesday confirmed the ongoing crackdown, stating: "The United States is vigorously enforcing its borders, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants."
While specific details of deportation flights remain undisclosed, US authorities insist these measures aim to deter illegal migration.
In his second term, President Donald Trump has swiftly enforced his campaign promise of strict immigration policies.
The administration has issued multiple executive orders strengthening border security and accelerating deportations.
Reports suggest that a US military aircraft has already transported deported Indian migrants back to India, highlighting the growing impact of these policies.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged the deportations, emphasizing that India is committed to handling illegal migration responsibly.
Following a conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump on January 27, the US President expressed confidence that India would cooperate in facilitating repatriation.
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 the exact number of Indians living illegally in the US remains uncertain.
The mass deportation is expected to disrupt the lives of thousands of Indian migrants, many of whom had built successful careers in the US.
The crackdown has also sparked concerns over the future of Indian nationals on temporary visas or those awaiting permanent residency.
As Washington tightens its immigration policies, legal pathways to employment and citizenship could become even more restrictive. This marks a significant shift in US immigration policy, signaling a harsher stance on unauthorized migration.
The US government’s actions serve as a warning to individuals considering unauthorized entry. A US official reiterated:
"These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk."
With deportations continuing, India faces the challenge of reintegrating deportees while addressing the broader issue of illegal migration.
As immigration policies tighten, the global ramifications of the US crackdown remain to be seen.
