US Immigration Policy and Indian Deportations in 2025

January 25, 2025

Recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed irregular immigration with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This meeting brought into light the ongoing issue of undocumented Indian immigrants in the US. As of late 2024, there were over 20,000 undocumented Indians facing deportation. This article explores the deportation process, appeals, costs, and the increasing trend of deportations of Indian nationals.

The Deportation Process in the US

Deportation involves removing non-citizens from the US due to immigration law violations.
Grounds for deportation include criminal activity and visa violations.
Non-citizens may be detained before deportation.
The US Immigration and Nationality Act allows for an expedited removal process for those who entered the US without proper documentation. This includes individuals apprehended at ports of entry or borders.

Appeals Against Deportation

Non-citizens facing deportation may appeal if they express a fear of persecution or wish to apply for asylum. Asylum provides a legal foothold in the US. If a credible fear is established, the individual enters formal removal proceedings, allowing for a more thorough review.

Costs Associated with Deportation

Deportation costs can be substantial. Individuals may opt for voluntary departure at their own expense. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) manages deportations, often using commercial airlines and chartered flights. ICE Air Operations conducts special flights for high-risk deportations.

Trends in Deportation of Indian Nationals

Recent years have seen a rise in deportations of Indian nationals. In 2019, 1,616 Indians were deported. This number increased to 2,312 in 2020. However, during the Biden administration, numbers dropped before rising again to 1,529 in 2024. India now ranks high among countries from which citizens are deported, surpassing China.

Reasons for Illegal Migration from India

Many undocumented Indians seek better opportunities in the US. The majority come from Gujarat and Punjab, often using a perilous route known as the “donkey route.” This involves travelling through various countries, including the UAE and several Latin American nations, before reaching the US. The journey can take years and cost amounts of money.

The Impact of Deportation on India-US Relations

The issue of undocumented Indian immigrants could strain India-US relations. India has expressed willingness to cooperate with the US on this issue, aiming to protect legal migration channels. The focus is on balancing migration with economic ties, especially as trade relations evolve.

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