External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the issue of undocumented Indian immigrants on Wednesday, reiterating India’s openness to the “legitimate return” of those residing illegally in the United States. This comes amid the ongoing immigration crackdown under US President Donald Trump.
India’s Position on Undocumented Immigrants
Jaishankar made it clear that the Indian government has always been supportive of legal mobility and would welcome any Indian citizen who is in the US illegally to return home through legitimate means. While noting that the government is still verifying the numbers of undocumented Indians who could be deported, Jaishankar highlighted that no specific figure has been determined yet.
“As a government, we are obviously very much supportive of legal mobility because we do believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and Indian skills to have the maximum opportunity at the global level,” Jaishankar told reporters. However, he stressed India’s firm stance against illegal migration, emphasizing that illegal immigration can often be linked to other illegal activities, which can harm the reputation of the country.
Bilateral Talks with the US
In his conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar reiterated India’s consistent and principled stance on this issue. He acknowledged the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies under the Trump administration but stressed the importance of finding solutions that would legally facilitate the return of undocumented immigrants.
Jaishankar also discussed the visa delays that affect Indian citizens trying to enter the US. He noted that 400 days of waiting for a visa is not in the best interest of the bilateral relationship, an issue that Rubio himself recognized. Jaishankar pointed out that the India-US relationship would benefit from streamlined visa processes that allow for smoother mobility of skilled professionals.
India’s Efforts in Deportation
Earlier reports revealed that India has been in talks with the Trump administration to deport an estimated 180,000 undocumented Indians residing in the US. This includes individuals who have either overstayed their visas or entered the country illegally. Jaishankar clarified that this approach is not unique to the United States, as India has maintained similar positions with other countries regarding illegal immigration.
Conclusion
Jaishankar’s remarks on the Trump administration’s crackdown underscore India’s commitment to facilitating legal returns of its citizens while combating illegal immigration. India’s position remains rooted in principled diplomacy, aiming for solutions that respect both legal mobility and the global movement of talent.
Stay updated with Channel 6 Network for more on the evolving India-US immigration relationship and further developments in this ongoing issue.
