Deportation Flight Lands in Punjab
A U.S. military aircraft carrying 104 Indian nationals accused of illegally entering the United States landed in Punjab on Wednesday. This marks the first deportation flight to India since President Donald Trump’s administration intensified its crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
The flight landed under tight security in Amritsar, a city in northern India. Although officials did not confirm the exact number of deportees, reports suggest that 104 people were on board. Authorities assured that the returnees would be treated respectfully, and no legal action would be taken against them unless required.
India’s Stance on Illegal Immigration
The Indian government has stated that it is open to taking back Indian nationals who entered the U.S. illegally, as long as their nationality is verified. India wants to avoid turning this into a diplomatic issue, given its strong ties with Washington.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India and the United States are working together to prevent illegal migration. He said that cooperation between the two countries in this area would become even stronger in the future.
Trump and Modi Discuss Immigration
Last week, President Trump revealed that he had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the issue. Modi reportedly assured Trump that India would “do what’s right” in accepting deported Indian nationals.
This discussion is part of broader talks on trade and migration, which are expected to be key topics in an upcoming Trump-Modi meeting next week. Both countries are looking to manage illegal migration while ensuring that legal routes for Indian professionals and students remain open.
Rising Number of Illegal Indian Migrants
Over the past few years, the number of Indian migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally has grown. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that India now has the highest number of illegal immigrants from Asia trying to enter the country.
Their overall percentage remains low. Indians account for only about 3% of total illegal border crossings into the U.S.
According to a Bloomberg report, the U.S. has identified around 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants for deportation. This suggests that more flights like Wednesday’s could be expected in the coming months.
Why Are Indians Entering the U.S. Illegally?
Many illegal migrants from India come from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat. These states have a long history of immigration to the West, with many families aspiring to live and work in the U.S.
Illegal migration is often facilitated by human traffickers who charge huge sums to smuggle people across borders. Many migrants take dangerous routes through South America and Mexico before crossing into the U.S.
Experts say that poverty, lack of jobs, and the lure of a better life in America push many young Indians toward illegal routes.
Legal Migration: A Safer Alternative
Indian authorities are now urging citizens to choose legal migration routes instead of risky, illegal travel. Punjab’s Minister for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Affairs, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, made a public appeal, asking young people to focus on skills and education. He encouraged them to apply for visas legally to secure global job opportunities.
Many Indians migrate legally through the H-1B visa program for skilled workers or student visas to American universities. The Indian government wants to expand legal migration channels rather than dealing with large-scale deportations.
U.S.-India Relations and Future Deportations
Deportation flights from the U.S. to India are not new. Between October 2023 and September 2024, over 1,000 Indian nationals were sent back. However, this is the first time a military aircraft has been used for deportations.
While India continues to accept deported migrants, officials worry about Trump’s strict immigration policies affecting legal migration. Indian students and professionals contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, and India wants to ensure that these opportunities are not restricted.
With more than 18,000 Indians on the U.S. deportation list, similar flights may continue in the near future. How the two countries handle trade and migration talks in the coming weeks will shape the future of Indian migration to the U.S.
