On a major initiative that reflects the US government’s strict approach to illegal immigration, the 205 Indian nationals who had overstayed in the US have been deported. US military aircraft transporting these deportees has been in the air from Texas a little over six hours ago, it has been found, based on sources close to the story.
Sources showed that before each deported person could leave, he/she went through verification, implying active involvement and coordination between the Indian and US agencies during the deportation. They expect that this deportation flight will be only the first of many, as the US administration plans the repatriation of a much greater number of illegal Indian immigrants in the next few months.
C-17 Military Aircraft Used for Deportation
A C-17 US military transport aircraft has been assigned to bring the Indian nationals back to their home country. This kind of aircraft is primarily built for fast troop transport and cargo, and it does not offer extensive passenger facilities. Importantly, the C-17 with provision only one toilet (lacking provision for an air-transportable galley) is unusual, when considering the number of deportees on board.
US Hardens Stance on Illegal Immigration
The deportation follows the strict position of the US President Donald Trump with regard to illegal immigration. His administration has previously conducted similar mass deportations, sending illegal immigrants back to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras using US military aircraft. The most recent operation involving Indian citizens is an extension of such a policy.
The Trump administration has put border enforcement on steroids, and making it increasingly hard to stay in the U.S. for undocumented migrants. This has led to the deportation of thousands of unlawful immigrants (and a specific number of Indians who immigrated to the United States illegally).
India-US Cooperation on Repatriation
The schedule of this deportation is therefore especially relevant as it falls at the same time with reports that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to visit the USA next week. On this trip Modi will be first since President Trump took office for his second term as a U.S. President.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar had earlier stated that India is open to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living abroad illegally, including those in the United States. New Delhi has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate on such issues, but on condition that satisfactory documentation is submitted for vetting.
“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,” President Trump told reporters last month.
Trump further disclosed that the Indian Prime Minister Modi had promised that “India will do what is right” in relation to the repatriation of illegal Indian immigrants. According to a Bloomberg News story, US and Indian authorities have already found about 18,000 Indian migrants who are documented as illegally entering the US. That is, further deportation flights are likely in the near term.
India’s Stand on Illegal Immigration
The Ministry of External Affairs of the Indian government has made a strong pronouncement against illegal immigration, and attributes to its links with multiple facets of organized crime. Government has reiterated the commitment to the repatriation from abroad of Indian nationals who have illegally remained outside India, if it is possible verify their Indian nationality.
“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,” ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated at a press briefing.
US Embassy Issues Warning Against Illegal Migration
A US Embassy spokesperson in New Delhi also confirmed the US government’s pledge to accelerate immigration enforcement.
Illegal migration is not worth the risk,” the spokesman declared.
Future Deportations Expected
As nearly 18,000 Indian migrants are confirmed as undocumented immigrants in the US, flyback is likely a prelude to a much bigger repatriation effort. Based upon the Trump administration’s intention to maintain its restrictive policy towards immigration, the joint cooperation between the US and India on this issue is likely to increase in the next several months.
Simultaneously with both countries grappling with the diplomatic and legal implications of immigration, this latest event highlights an overarching global trend toward more restrictive borders and strengthened immigration enforcement.
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