Congress Expresses Discontent Over Deportations
The Indian National Congress has reacted sharply to the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the United States, terming it a shameful act. The Congress leader, Pawan Khera said with a sad face that he felt miserable to be an Indian to see such incidents take place. He also mentioned the 2013 episode when Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade was arrested and allegedly treated shabbily in the US over a visa-related issue.
Recalling the 2013 Diplomatic Row
Khera noted that in 2013, the then UPA government had taken a strong stance by refusing to meet a visiting US Congress delegation. He also noted that India had withdrawn multiple privileges previously granted to the US Embassy in response to the mistreatment of the diplomat.
Shashi Tharoor's Allegations Against BJP Government
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lashed out at the BJP government at the center by saying deportation flights carrying illegal Indian immigrants from the US are no new thing. He further alleged that BJP is trying to muzzle the much-needed information it has about these deportations. Tharoor further said that even during the time of Joe Biden's presidency, nearly 1,100 illegal Indian immigrants were deported though their details were not made public.
Growing Indian Illegal Immigrants in the US
A report according to Tharoor reported that by 2022, over 725,000 Indians would be residing illegally in the US. He condemned the government for doing nothing regarding the problem and for not letting much into the public eye as to how cases were being addressed.
US Immigration Policy Under Trump
Former US President Donald Trump was stern throughout his term about illegal immigration. His government did not hesitate to deport undocumented foreign nationals, including Indians, in line with its overall immigration policies.
