US Deporting More Indian Immigrants: 2 Flights to Amritsar
US Intensifies Deportation of Indian Immigrants: Flights Scheduled for February 15-16
The United States has ramped up its deportation efforts with two additional flights bringing illegal Indian immigrants back to Amritsar Airport (ATQ) on February 15 and 16. This significant move highlights ongoing concerns regarding illegal immigration and human trafficking, as the U.S. government continues to address these pressing issues.
On February 15, a flight carrying 119 Indian nationals is expected to land around 10 PM. A second flight will follow on February 16, leading to heightened scrutiny of immigration policies affecting Indian residents.
Breakdown of Deportees by Region
Official sources indicate that the majority of the deportees are from Punjab, with 67 individuals, followed by 33 from Haryana and eight from Gujarat. Additional deportees hail from various states, including:
- Uttar Pradesh: 3 individuals
- Goa: 2 individuals
- Maharashtra: 2 individuals
- Rajasthan: 2 individuals
- Himachal Pradesh: 1 individual
- Jammu and Kashmir: 1 individual
These deportations come shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, where they discussed human trafficking’s role in illegal immigration.
Modi’s Stance on Illegal Immigration
During a joint press conference at the White House, Prime Minister Modi addressed the complexities of illegal immigration, emphasizing the need to tackle sophisticated trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable families. He reiterated India’s position that individuals residing unlawfully in foreign countries do not have the legal right to remain there.
Previous Deportation Efforts
This is not the first wave of deportations; a military aircraft previously transported Indian immigrants back to Amritsar on February 5, marking the beginning of these repatriation flights. Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has criticized U.S. deportation policies, arguing that many deportees initially entered the U.S. legally with valid work permits, which later expired. He plans to raise these concerns with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on the need for permanent residency status for affected individuals.
Rising Trends in Indian Deportations
Data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals a troubling trend in deportations, with 370 Indians repatriated in 2023 alone. This trend gained attention after a December 2023 incident where French authorities grounded a flight carrying 303 Indian passengers suspected of illegal migration.
From 2018 to 2023, a total of 5,477 Indians were deported from the United States, peaking during Trump’s administration. The year 2020 saw the highest number of deportations at 2,312, coinciding with President Trump’s visit to India.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As the U.S. continues its strict immigration enforcement, particularly targeting residents from Gujarat and Punjab, the implications for Indian immigrants are significant. Stakeholders are urged to engage in discussions regarding the future of these individuals and their contributions to the U.S. economy.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on this ongoing issue or explore related articles on immigration policies and human trafficking. For more information, visit ICE’s official website or read about the impact of immigration policies on communities here.
