A US military transport plane, the C-17 Globemaster III, is scheduled to land at Amritsar International Airport on February 16, carrying around 119 Indian nationals.
This comes after 104 people were deported earlier, as part of the US government’s ongoing efforts to address undocumented immigration.
Officials have stated that deportations will continue every other week until all undocumented immigrants are sent back to their home countries.
Among the 119 deportees, 67 are from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, 8 from Gujarat, 3 from Uttar Pradesh, 2 each from Rajasthan and Maharashtra, and 1 each from Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
The US immigration authorities are continuing their crackdown on undocumented immigrants, deporting individuals who either entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas.
These deportations come shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, where he met President Donald Trump to discuss key issues, including immigration.
During a joint press conference, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to bringing back verified Indian nationals while also emphasizing the need to crack down on human trafficking networks that take advantage of vulnerable migrants.
Controversy Over Treatment of Deportees
The deported Indian nationals arrived in handcuffs and shackles, sparking outrage in India. While US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) defends this as a standard security procedure to prevent escape attempts, critics argue that such treatment is harsh and inhumane, especially for those whose only offense is violating immigration rules.
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In response, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar assured that India is engaging with US officials to ensure that deportees are treated with dignity. He stressed that while immigration laws must be followed, basic human rights should not be compromised.
Impact of US Immigration Policies on Indians
The Trump administration’s strict immigration policies have affected thousands of Indian nationals, putting pressure on the Indian government to support returnees while also tackling illegal migration.
In the US, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manage deportations, while in India, returnees are processed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Bureau of Immigration, and local authorities.
As deportations continue, immigration remains a key issue between India and the US, requiring both nations to navigate the challenges of border control, human rights, and diplomatic cooperation.
The Bigger Picture: Illegal Migration & Reintegration
Many Indians attempt to migrate to the US due to economic hardships, limited job opportunities, and the hope of a better future. However, with stricter immigration laws, the Indian government faces the tough task of helping returnees rebuild their lives after spending years abroad.
There is growing pressure on India to strengthen border controls and negotiate diplomatic solutions to prevent more cases of illegal migration. Meanwhile, human rights groups continue to advocate for fair treatment of deportees, pushing for a balance between border security and humane enforcement.
With more deportations expected in the coming months, immigration will remain a crucial topic in US-India relations, influencing policies on border security, migrant rights, and international cooperation.
