Another Batch of Deported Indians Set to Land in Punjab
A group of 119 Indian nationals, who were illegally residing in the United States, is scheduled to arrive at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar today. This marks another significant deportation of Indian migrants from the U.S., with the majority belonging to Punjab and Haryana.
As per official sources, an American military aircraft will transport these deportees and is expected to land in Amritsar at approximately 10:00 PM IST on Saturday night. Furthermore, reports indicate that an additional 157 Indians may also be deported on another flight expected to land in Amritsar on Sunday.
Breakdown of the Deported Individuals by State
Among the 119 deportees, the majority hail from Punjab and Haryana, which have been major contributors to Indian migration to the U.S. The state-wise distribution of deportees is as follows:
- Punjab – 67 individuals
- Haryana – 33 individuals
- Gujarat – 8 individuals
- Uttar Pradesh – 3 individuals
- Goa – 2 individuals
- Rajasthan – 2 individuals
- Maharashtra – 2 individuals
- Himachal Pradesh – 1 individual
- Jammu & Kashmir – 1 individual
This trend highlights the continued aspiration of Indians, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, to settle in the United States, even if it involves illegal immigration routes.
Deportation Amidst Stricter U.S. Immigration Policies
This latest deportation comes amid tightening immigration laws in the United States, especially under heightened scrutiny of illegal immigrants. The U.S. government, particularly under the influence of Republican policies, has intensified efforts to identify, detain, and deport undocumented migrants.
The surge in immigration enforcement actions can be traced back to the tenure of former President Donald Trump, who introduced stricter border security measures, visa crackdowns, and increased deportations. These policies have continued under subsequent administrations, leading to a sharp increase in the repatriation of undocumented Indian immigrants.
Previous Deportation of 104 Indians on February 5, 2025
This deportation follows a similar incident that occurred on February 5, 2025, when 104 Indian nationals were forcibly returned from the U.S.. The previous deportation generated controversy, as the deportees were reportedly shackled with handcuffs and leg irons during transit, prompting criticism from Indian political circles and human rights organizations.
The Indian government faced significant backlash from opposition parties, who demanded an explanation regarding the inhumane treatment of Indian nationals. Consequently, there are expectations that this time, the deportees will not be subjected to similar conditions.
Why Are So Many Indians Being Deported from the U.S.?
1. Stricter U.S. Immigration Enforcement
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been aggressively targeting undocumented migrants, including those from India. The current administration continues to implement policies that focus on removing individuals who lack proper legal status.
2. Increasing Use of Fraudulent Visas and Asylum Claims
Many Indians, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, attempt to enter the U.S. by applying for asylum or student visas under fraudulent claims. However, increased scrutiny of visa applications and immigration fraud detection has resulted in a growing number of denials and deportations.
3. Human Trafficking and Illegal Border Crossings
Many deported Indians had attempted to enter the U.S. through Mexico, a dangerous route facilitated by human smugglers, also known as “donkey routes”. The Biden administration has reinforced border security, leading to mass arrests and deportations of individuals crossing illegally.
4. Expired Visas and Overstays
Several deportees initially entered the U.S. on temporary visas (such as tourist or student visas) but overstayed beyond their permitted duration, leading to their eventual deportation. The U.S. immigration system has been actively tracking and removing visa violators.
India’s Response to U.S. Deportations
The Government of India has maintained diplomatic discussions with U.S. authorities regarding the treatment and repatriation of deported individuals. Given the controversy surrounding the previous deportation involving handcuffs and leg shackles, it is anticipated that officials will closely monitor the repatriation process to ensure humane treatment.
Additionally, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been working on assisting deported individuals in reintegrating into society, particularly those who were misled by fraudulent agents promising legal status in the U.S.
