In a recent development, the United States has identified 487 additional illegal Indian migrants who are set to be deported soon. The announcement was made on Friday by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press conference, where he confirmed that US authorities have notified New Delhi about the removal orders for these individuals.
“We’ve been told there are 487 presumed Indian citizens with final removal orders,” Misri stated.
The Foreign Secretary further indicated that this number could increase as more details emerge, but additional specific information has yet to be provided by US authorities.
India Verifies Identities of Migrants on Deportation List
The Indian government has taken steps to verify the identities of the 487 individuals currently facing deportation. This follows the recent deportation of 104 Indian migrants, who arrived in Amritsar on January 5 aboard a US military aircraft. This marked the first large-scale deportation under the administration of former President Donald Trump, as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
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Upon arrival, deportees reported being subjected to harsh treatment during transit. Many claimed they were handcuffed and restrained throughout the journey and were only unshackled upon landing in Amritsar.
Concerns Over Treatment of Deported Indian Migrants
The issue of the alleged mistreatment of deported Indian citizens has raised serious concerns. Addressing these reports, Foreign Secretary Misri acknowledged the situation as a “valid concern” and assured that the Indian government will take up the matter with US authorities.
“The description by the EAM of the standard operating procedure relating to the use of restraints has been communicated to us by US authorities, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” Misri noted.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar also weighed in on the matter, revealing that since 2009, a total of 15,668 illegal Indian immigrants have been deported from the US. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar emphasized that deportations have been a long-standing practice and not a new phenomenon.
US Deportation Procedures and India’s Stance
According to Jaishankar, deportations by the US are carried out by ICE authorities, and the “standard operating procedure for deportations by aircraft used by ICE, effective from 2012, provides for the use of restraints.”
However, he assured that certain exemptions exist, stating: “We have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained. Further, the needs of deportees during transit, including food and possible medical emergencies, are attended to.”
India to Continue Engagement with US on Deportation Policies
With the increasing number of deportations, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the fair treatment of its citizens. Indian authorities will continue to engage with the US to address concerns related to the deportation process and the treatment of deportees.
As deportations rise, concerns over the impact on affected families and individuals persist, making this a key issue in bilateral discussions between India and the United States.
