The U.S. government has deported several Indian emigrants who entered that country without valid immigration documents. A special military aircraft carrying 104 individuals deported from the U.S. landed at the Amritsar International Airport, Punjab, at 1:55 PM on Wednesday. The C-17 Aircraft took off from Texas with the migrants who were identified and deported from the U.S. amid stringent policies of immigration crackdown.

Deportees Arriving in State Wise

According to official sources, the deportees are:

  • 30 from Punjab
  • 33 from Haryana
  • 33 from Gujarat
  • 3 from Maharashtra
  • 3 from Uttar Pradesh
  • 2 from Chandigarh

The initial reports had stated that 205 people were being deported, but updated figures confirm that only 104 individuals were onboard. An official announcement regarding the final count is still awaited.

Processing & Further Deportations

India's authorities have cleared that there are no detention orders for the returnees. Following the security clearance, they are free to go from the airport. According to the U.S. Embassy in Delhi, every deported person has been screened prior to departure. More such deportation flights from the U.S. carrying Indians back home are anticipated in the following days.

U.S. Immigration Crackdown & Indian Deportees

According to the U.S. Homeland Security records:

  • 20,407 Indians were found without valid documentation.
  • 17,940 people received final deportation orders.
  • 2,467 remain in ERO detention.

The first phase of deportations has begun, and 205 are to be deported.

Strict Immigration Policies by Trump Administration

Former U.S. President Donald Trump made immigration enforcement more rampant during his stay in office. It signaled the focus of his government on enforcing the identification and removal of illegal immigrants, resulting in deportation.

The Pentagon has announced it will deport 5,000 additional illegal migrants from Texas and California. Already, some have been deported to the relevant countries, such as Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras, on military planes.

India's Reaction to U.S. Deportation Policies

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged the U.S. deportation measures, stating that India opposes illegal immigration and recognizes its link to organized crime. The Indian government has affirmed its commitment to repatriating Indian nationals, regardless of expired visas or missing documents.