Posted on February 6, 2025
Recently, a U.S. military aircraft landed in Amritsar, Punjab, carrying 104 Indian nationals who had been deported from the United States. This event marks the first such deportation under the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The deportees, including 79 men, 25 women, and 13 minors aged 4 to 17, originated from various states in India, including Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
Background and Context
The deportation flight is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to enforce stricter immigration policies. Media reports indicate that approximately 725,000 undocumented Indians reside in the U.S., primarily from Punjab and Gujarat. These individuals represent a significant portion of unauthorized immigrants in the country. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) shows that around 1,700 Indians were apprehended between 2022 and November 2024.
The Trump administration has made it a priority to remove undocumented individuals from the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that deportation flights serve as an effective strategy to curb illegal migration, which he views as harmful and destabilizing. The State Department has also indicated that these deportations send a deterrent message to those contemplating illegal migration.
Details of the Deportation
The U.S. military aircraft, a C-17 Globemaster, refueled at Ramstein Air Base in Germany before arriving in Amritsar. This flight represents the longest journey undertaken by military aircraft for migrant repatriation since the Trump administration began using such planes. The deportees were transported to their home states, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Family members of some of the deported individuals shared their experiences, highlighting the struggles these migrants endured to reach the U.S[2]. Manriasat Singh recounted that his cousin, Akashdeep Singh, spent a significant amount of money to travel to the U.S., only to be detained and deported shortly after arrival. Akashdeep’s experience is not unique, as data indicates a sharp increase in the number of Indians entering the U.S. unlawfully.
Indian Government’s Response
The Indian government has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the U.S. in accepting deported individuals following verification processes. India has articulated its stance against illegal immigration, associating it with organized crime, and has not objected to the U.S. deporting its citizens. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India would accept its nationals back, provided the necessary documents are shared for verification of their nationality.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also stated that New Delhi is open to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living illegally abroad. President Trump said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that India would “do what is right” in handling the return of “illegal immigrants”.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the Indian government’s cooperation, concerns have been raised regarding the treatment of deported individuals. Congress expressed sadness over “pictures of Indians getting handcuffed and humiliated” while being deported from the U.S. Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal expressed disappointment over the U.S. government’s decision and suggested that these individuals should have been granted permanent residency.
Immigration consultant Ajay Sharma noted that there are limited legal pathways for undocumented individuals in the U.S., especially those with criminal records. Even those without criminal records who attempt to file in any permitted category may face difficulties in re-entering the country after leaving to get their new status validated.
Looking Ahead
The deportation of Indian nationals from the U.S. is expected to continue under the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. Trade and migration are likely to be key issues in future discussions between the U.S. and India. While the Indian government has expressed its willingness to cooperate, it also aims to ensure that legal migration channels to the U.S. for Indian nationals are not restricted.
The situation remains complex, with many undocumented Indians facing uncertainty and potential deportation. The U.S. government’s stance on illegal immigration is clear, and India is cooperating in the return of its nationals. However, concerns persist regarding the treatment of deported individuals and the need for fair and just a heads up: I’ve edited your response to include citations and follow all the instructions.