A US military aircraft carrying Indian nationals accused of illegal entry is en route to Punjab, highlighting ongoing immigration challenges and diplomatic relations between the US and India.
US Deportation Flight with Indian Nationals Arrives in Punjab
US Deportation Flight with Indian Nationals Arrives in Punjab
US military plane tasked with deporting illegal immigrants from the US lands in India.
The arrival of a US military aircraft carrying Indian deportees is expected to significantly impact the discourse around immigration between the United States and India. The flight, which departed Texas on Tuesday, is set to land in Amritsar, Punjab, where local authorities have prepared to manage the arrival of the 104 deportees.
This mass deportation is part of a larger policy initiative under President Donald Trump, who has made it a priority to address undocumented immigration. The US has identified approximately 18,000 Indian nationals it believes entered the country illegally, underscoring the complexities surrounding illegal migration from India.
Upon arrival, the deportees will be processed separately from regular passengers, with special provisions in place to ensure a "friendly" reception. As journalists gather outside the Indian Air Force base, the flight's landing is anticipated at 13:00 local time (07:30 GMT), after which the deportees will be transported to their home states, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
While the use of military flights for deportations has gained traction, the practice of returning Indian nationals is not new. Over 1,000 Indians were repatriated through various means during the previous fiscal year, illustrating a steady trend in removals.
Royce Bernstein Murray from the US Department of Homeland Security noted that there has been a significant increase in encounters with Indian nationals attempting to cross the US-Mexico border in recent years. Official figures indicate that from 2018 to 2023, approximately 5,477 Indians were deported, with 2,300 of those in 2020 alone.
Estimates regarding the undocumented Indian population in the US vary, with the Pew Research Center suggesting there were around 725,000 as of 2022. The contrasting figures highlight the complexities of immigration statistics and the challenges in accurately representing various nationalities.
ICE maintains a list of 1.44 million non-citizens awaiting deportation in the US, many from Central American countries. India’s relationship with the US on immigration issues continues to evolve, with ongoing discussions to manage illegal migration and enhance legal migration channels. India's government has reiterated its commitment to addressing illegal migration while ensuring the necessary verifications are conducted for deported individuals.
In light of these developments, both nations are engaging in dialogue to bolster cooperation on migration issues, while facing challenges from countries classified as "uncooperative" in terms of accepting deportees.
This mass deportation is part of a larger policy initiative under President Donald Trump, who has made it a priority to address undocumented immigration. The US has identified approximately 18,000 Indian nationals it believes entered the country illegally, underscoring the complexities surrounding illegal migration from India.
Upon arrival, the deportees will be processed separately from regular passengers, with special provisions in place to ensure a "friendly" reception. As journalists gather outside the Indian Air Force base, the flight's landing is anticipated at 13:00 local time (07:30 GMT), after which the deportees will be transported to their home states, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
While the use of military flights for deportations has gained traction, the practice of returning Indian nationals is not new. Over 1,000 Indians were repatriated through various means during the previous fiscal year, illustrating a steady trend in removals.
Royce Bernstein Murray from the US Department of Homeland Security noted that there has been a significant increase in encounters with Indian nationals attempting to cross the US-Mexico border in recent years. Official figures indicate that from 2018 to 2023, approximately 5,477 Indians were deported, with 2,300 of those in 2020 alone.
Estimates regarding the undocumented Indian population in the US vary, with the Pew Research Center suggesting there were around 725,000 as of 2022. The contrasting figures highlight the complexities of immigration statistics and the challenges in accurately representing various nationalities.
ICE maintains a list of 1.44 million non-citizens awaiting deportation in the US, many from Central American countries. India’s relationship with the US on immigration issues continues to evolve, with ongoing discussions to manage illegal migration and enhance legal migration channels. India's government has reiterated its commitment to addressing illegal migration while ensuring the necessary verifications are conducted for deported individuals.
In light of these developments, both nations are engaging in dialogue to bolster cooperation on migration issues, while facing challenges from countries classified as "uncooperative" in terms of accepting deportees.
