External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently addressed the deportation of Indian nationals from the United States, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of every nation to repatriate its citizens found residing illegally abroad. He stated, “All countries must take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad.”
This statement came amid opposition protests in the Rajya Sabha, where members demanded discussions on the recent deportation of over 100 Indian citizens from the U.S. A U.S. military aircraft had recently landed in Amritsar, carrying Indian nationals who had allegedly entered the U.S. illegally.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor acknowledged the U.S.’s right to deport individuals residing illegally but criticized the manner of deportation. He remarked that while the U.S. can deport individuals, the method employed was “unnecessary” since these individuals were neither criminals nor had malicious intentions. Tharoor suggested that deportations should occur via commercial or civilian flights, advocating for a more humane approach.
The U.S. has intensified its immigration enforcement, leading to a rise in deportations of Indian nationals. In the last fiscal year, over 1,100 Indians were deported under the Biden administration.
In response to concerns about the treatment of deported individuals, Jaishankar assured that India is actively engaging with U.S. authorities to ensure that deportees are not mistreated during the process. He emphasized the importance of legal migration and the need to curb illegal migration, stating that such efforts are crucial for maintaining the integrity of immigration systems.
The issue of deportation arises as India and the U.S. seek to strengthen strategic ties, with migration being a critical topic in upcoming discussions between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both nations aim to address challenges related to illegal migration while promoting legal pathways for individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
In summary, while India acknowledges its obligation to repatriate citizens residing illegally abroad, it stresses the importance of ensuring that deportation processes are conducted humanely and in collaboration with host nations. The government continues to advocate for legal migration and is committed to working with international partners to address the challenges associated with illegal immigration.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addresses the deportation of Indian nationals from the U.S., emphasizing the obligation of nations to repatriate citizens residing illegally abroad and the importance of humane deportation processes.
