India Confirms Over 1,000 Nationals Deported by United States Since January

 Amidst Tightening Immigration Policies
New Delhi, India – The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that over 1,000 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since January 2025. This significant figure, revealed by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday, May 29, 2025, underscores a period of intensified immigration enforcement by the U.S. and highlights ongoing diplomatic cooperation between the two nations on migration issues. The majority of these deportations are linked to individuals found to be in illegal status in the U.S. or those who attempted to enter the country without authorization.
According to the MEA's briefing, approximately 1,080 Indian nationals have either "come back or been deported" from the United States since the beginning of the year. A notable 62% of these individuals returned on commercial flights, indicating a facilitated process for their repatriation. Jaiswal emphasized India's close cooperation with the United States on migration issues, particularly concerning the return of Indian nationals who are in illegal status or who have traveled illegally. He reiterated that India accepts its citizens back once their details are verified by the Indian authorities, a standard practice in international relations.
The surge in deportations comes amidst a broader tightening of immigration policies and enforcement measures within the United States. Reports indicate a renewed push by the U.S. administration to address undocumented migration, with increased scrutiny and stricter vetting processes. Earlier this month, the U.S. Embassy in India issued a warning to Indian citizens about the consequences of overstaying visas, including potential deportation or permanent bans on future entry to the U.S., even for those who initially entered legally. This advisory serves as a clear indication of the heightened enforcement climate.
The reasons for these deportations are primarily categorized into several areas: individuals who illegally entered the U.S. (many apprehended at the border), those who overstayed their visa validity, those living in the U.S. without proper documentation, and a smaller number with criminal convictions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been conducting deportation operations as part of a larger "National Security initiative." This initiative involves increased surveillance capabilities, including the potential tapping into government and commercial databases to identify removable non-citizens and streamline logistical processes for detention and removal.
The nature of some of these deportations has drawn concern and criticism. There have been reports, particularly earlier in the year, of Indian nationals being brought back on U.S. military flights, with some alleging that they were shackled for the duration of the journey. While the Indian government has acknowledged that deportation is a sovereign function of any country, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has previously stated that India is "engaging with the US Government to ensure that the returning deportees are not mistreated in any manner during the flight." This highlights India's commitment to ensuring the humane treatment of its citizens, even those who have violated immigration laws abroad.
Beyond the immediate numbers, the deportations are creating ripples across various aspects of Indian society. The welfare of Indian students abroad remains a paramount concern for the Indian government. Recent developments, including reports of the U.S. Secretary of State ordering embassies to halt new student visa interviews and the consideration of stricter social media vetting rules for visa applicants, have raised anxieties among aspiring Indian students. Jaiswal affirmed that the MEA is closely monitoring these developments and hopes that applications from Indian students will be assessed on merit to ensure they can join their academic programs on time. India sends a significant number of students to the U.S., becoming the largest source of international students in the 2023-24 academic year.
While the Indian government states that it continues to work in close coordination with the U.S. government on all instances of deportation, the overall impact on remittance flows from Indian migrants in the U.S. is not currently expected to be significant, particularly as many of those deported had not yet established stable financial pathways. However, the wider context of illegal migration and human trafficking is a shared concern. India has consistently reiterated its stance against illegal immigration while advocating for the humane treatment of deportees. Both countries have acknowledged the need to cooperate closely in aggressively addressing illegal immigration and human trafficking by taking strong action against illicit networks and facilitators.
As the U.S. continues its robust enforcement of immigration laws, the trend of deportations of Indian nationals is likely to persist. India's proactive engagement with the U.S. authorities, focused on verification, humane treatment, and safeguarding the interests of its citizens, will remain crucial in navigating this evolving landscape of international migration.
Source@BBC