- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 27 Jan 2025 01:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The United States has identified approximately 18,000 illegal Indian immigrants for removal. Indians, with 7.25 lakh illegal immigrants, are the third-largest group of undocumented migrants in the US, after Mexicans and Salvadorans, according to a 2024 Pew Research report. As former President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan gains momentum, the fate of Indian immigrants remains uncertain amidst the ongoing crackdown.
The Trump administration’s deportation efforts have already resulted in the repatriation of undocumented immigrants from nations like Colombia and Brazil. While the focus has been on Latin American countries, the growing number of undocumented Indians has also drawn attention.
Has US Laid Out Plan For Illegal Indian Immigrants?
As of now, there is no publicly announced plan specifically targeting illegal Indian immigrants for deportation. However, during the first bilateral meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the issue of illegal migration was reportedly raised by the Trump administration.
In response, Jaishankar emphasised India’s consistent policy of accepting the return of illegal immigrants if they are verified as Indian nationals. He clarified that this approach is not exclusive to the United States but applies globally.
India’s Position on Illegal Immigrants
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated its stance during a media briefing in New Delhi on January 24. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated,“For Indians, not just in the United States but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals, and they are overstaying or are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality.”
This policy highlights India’s willingness to cooperate in addressing the issue of illegal immigration while ensuring that due process is followed in verifying the nationality of individuals.
Uncertain Fate For Indian Immigrants
While the Trump administration appears committed to its mass deportation agenda, the absence of a specific plan for Indian nationals has left the community in a state of limbo. For many undocumented Indians in the US, who have established lives and families, the prospect of deportation brings uncertainty and anxiety.
Amid fears of deportation, Indian students in the US are reportedly quitting part-time jobs, despite needing extra income. According to a report by Times Of India, while F-1 visa holders are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus, many have relied on off-campus jobs to manage living expenses. A graduate student in Illinois shared that he quit his job at a café due to these concerns, highlighting the growing anxiety among international students.
