- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 30 May 2025 08:03 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
India has confirmed close cooperation with the United States on migration and deportation issues, particularly Indian nationals residing illegally in the US. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday shared that since January 2025, about 1,080 Indians have been deported, and close to 62 per cent of them came back on commercial flights.
Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have close cooperation between India and the United States on migration issues, on deportation of Indian nationals who are either in illegal status there or who travel illegally. We take them back once we receive details about them.” He further added, “The update on the numbers is that since January of 2025, we have some 1,080 Indians who have come back or who have been deported from the United States. Of these, around 62% have come on commercial flights.”
India Raises Concerns Over US Visa Freeze For Students And Employees
The MEA also reacted to reports of the United States temporarily suspending new student and exchange visitor visa interviews, reportedly as a result of more stringent screening of social media use. The decision falls under new guidance from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, part of the Trump administration’s broader policy changes. As reported by Politico, the State Department internal cable directs consular posts to temporarily halt all new F, M, and J visa category appointments, usually applied to foreign students and academic exchange program participants. The cable states that it is done in anticipation of increased social media screening, as per some executive orders related to counterterrorism and antisemitism. "From today, in anticipation of increased mandatory social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not schedule any extra student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further notice," the cable said.
Describing the development, Jaiswal emphasized that the welfare of Indian students remains a top priority for the Indian government. "While we observe that the grant of a visa is a sovereign activity, we hope that their application will be decided on merit, and they will be able to join their studies on schedule," he said. India is watching further developments in this area closely, Jaiswal added.
Why Indian Aspirants Should Fear the Future?
Despite increasing deportation figures and tighter immigration regulations all over the world, the United States is still the second-most popular destination for study among Indian students, coming next only to Canada. As of 2024, approximately 337,630 Indian students were studying at American institutions, out of a total of 1.33 million Indians studying abroad, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. US officials have actively promoted American universities in India through education fairs and outreach events. With over 4,000 institutions offering four-year degrees, the US higher education system appeals to Indian students due to its variety, flexibility, and reputation. A few weeks ago, the CEO and founder of GSF Accelerator went on social media to warn parents and students that job prospects for foreign graduates in Western nations are facing a drought. "There are no jobs in the USA, Canada, and UK for International students. The honeymoon is over; parents should think twice before spending crores on expensive education. " Sawhney shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The latest action by the US administration indicates a tighter immigration environment, particularly for Indian students and unauthorised residents. With increased emphasis on social media screening and national security-related vetting, the route to education and extended residence in the US might turn out to be more difficult. Indian students hoping to study or settle in the US now need to buckle up for more rigorous background checks, longer delay periods in processing, and potentially higher visa denial rates. Experts caution that the changing visa policies have the potential to derail educational calendars, particularly if delays persist during the admission season. In addition, the increase in the number of deportations suggests that the increased enforcement could affect illegal Indian nationals in the US in the coming months.