India Reiterates Stance on Illegal Immigration Amid US Concerns

Amid heightened scrutiny over immigration policies under President Trumps administration, India has reiterated its firm stance on illegal immigration. TheMinistry of External Affairs (MEA)emphasized that India is committed to taking back its citizens deported from the United States, provided their Indian origin is validated with sufficient documentation.

This position comes in response to concerns raised by the United States over irregular migration. On Friday, India clarified that while it has always facilitated the return of illegal migrants proven to be Indian nationals, any discussions on specific numbers are “premature.”

Verifying Citizenship: A Prerequisite for Deportations

US authorities reported last year that they had issued final orders of removal for close to 18,000 individuals slated for deportation to India. However, the Indian government has expressed skepticism over this figure, maintaining that verification of their citizenship is still pending.

The delay in the verification process has led to frustration among US authorities. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) labeled India as uncooperative, citing delays in confirming the nationality of individuals marked for deportation.

Responding to these claims, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organized crime. If individuals are indeed Indian nationals and proper documentation is shared with us to verify their nationality, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India.

Consistent and Principled Policy

Indias external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, reiterated the nations principled and consistent approach to illegal migration during a meeting with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio. Jaishankar stressed that India follows the same policy with all countries, including the United States. He also highlighted the sensitivity of the ongoing debate, stating, Any discussion about the number of people who would be taken back is premature.

This policy underscores Indias commitment to addressing illegal immigration while maintaining its focus on verification and due process.

Varying Estimates on Indian Illegal Migrants in the US

The exact number of illegal Indian migrants residing in the US remains uncertain, with various sources providing different estimates. According to a report by theUS Department of Homeland Security (DHS),220,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants lived in the US as of 2022. The Pew Research Center estimates the figure to be as high as 725,000, making Indians the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants in the US after nationals from Mexico and El Salvador.

Indias insistence on verifying the origins of deportees stems from this lack of clarity, ensuring that only Indian nationals are repatriated.

Balancing Diplomacy and Immigration Policies

By adhering to its policy of taking back verified nationals, India aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with the US. This cooperation is particularly crucial as India seeks to secure favorable policies under the Trump administration, including the protection of student visas and the H-1B program for skilled workers.