The US Embassy in India has issued a stern warning against any involvement in facilitating illegal immigration to the United States, stating that such actions will lead to “serious consequences,” including visa restrictions and potential travel bans on foreign government officials and citizens. The announcement underscores a hardening stance by US authorities against mass and unauthorised immigration, particularly from countries like India, which currently ranks third in undocumented migrants in the US after Mexico and El Salvador.

In a post shared on its official X handle, the US Embassy stated, "The United States continues to welcome legitimate travellers to our country. However, there is no right to visit the United States. We will not tolerate those who facilitate illegal and mass immigration."

The statement further explained that new visa restrictions have been implemented, specifically targeting foreign government officials and other individuals accused of aiding illegal immigration. The Trump administration has also designated several criminal smuggling cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organisations in response to the growing problem.

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Wave Of Deportations To India

In recent months, the US has significantly ramped up deportations of undocumented Indian migrants. On February 5, a US military aircraft deported 104 Indian nationals to Amritsar. Two more flights on February 15 and 16 brought home 116 and 112 individuals, respectively. According to official records, over 1,080 Indians have been deported from the US since the start of the Trump administration.

These deportations have sparked emotional reactions among the Indian diaspora. A particularly disturbing case was reported by Indian-American author Kunal Jain, who described witnessing a young Indian student handcuffed and crying at Newark Airport before being deported. He tagged the Indian Embassy and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, calling the incident a “human tragedy.”

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“He came chasing dreams, not causing harm. As an NRI, I felt helpless and heartbroken,” Jain posted. US authorities are now urging India and other nations to step up enforcement and prevent abuse of the US visa system.