Why in the News?

• Days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to the U.S., the Donald Trump administration has started the process of deporting illegal Indian immigrants.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Background (Context, Mass Deportations, Immigration Policy Changes, etc.)
• India’s Response (Trump’s Economic Leverage, Impact on the Indian Community, etc.)

Background:

• The US has intensified its immigration crackdown, with military planes deporting undocumented Indian migrants under President Donald Trump’s administration.
• With an estimated 7,25,000 undocumented Indians in the US, the move impacts thousands of Indian nationals.
• India has agreed to take back illegal migrants after verifying their citizenship, aiming to protect legal migration pathways for students and professionals.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the US will see high-level discussions on immigration, bilateral trade, and diplomatic cooperation.

Mass Deportations under the Trump Administration:

• The Trump administration is targeting undocumented migrants, leading to mass deportations.
• Key Statistics:
  • 20,407 undocumented Indians are under Trump’s immigration radar.
  • 17,940 Indians are under final removal orders by US immigration courts.
  • 2,467 Indians are currently in detention centres under ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
• Latest Deportation Flights:
  • A C-17 US military aircraft carried 205 Indian nationals from San Antonio, Texas, back to India.
  • Most of these individuals are from Gujarat and Punjab.
  • India has insisted on verifying nationality before accepting deported individuals.

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown and Policy Changes:

• President Trump has declared illegal immigration a national emergency, implementing strict measures:
• Enhanced Deportation Strategies:
  • Military aircraft are being used for deportations, instead of commercial flights.
  • ICE is coordinating with the FBI, DEA, and Border Patrol to locate and arrest undocumented migrants.
  • Deportation arrests tripled in January, with over 1,000 people detained in a single week.
• New Immigration Measures:
  • ICE has removed legal protections granted under Biden’s administration.
  • The CBP One mobile app, which allowed migrants to schedule border entry appointments, has been shut down.
  • Birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants has been eliminated.
• Expansion of Detention Centers:
  • Guantanamo Bay detention facility is being repurposed to house 30,000 migrants.
  • The Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado is also being used for migrant detention.

India’s Diplomatic Response and Concerns:

• India has engaged in diplomatic efforts to manage the immigration issue without affecting bilateral ties:
• India’s Position on Deportation:
  • India has agreed to accept undocumented Indians if nationality verification is confirmed.
  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed India’s stand to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • India is against illegal immigration due to its links to organized crime and human trafficking.
• Ensuring Legal Pathways for Migration:
  • Over 1 million visas were issued to Indian nationals in 2024, including record numbers of student and business visas.
  • 72% of H-1B visas issued in the last fiscal year went to Indian professionals.
  • Trump has assured that the H-1B visa program will continue, though some reforms may be introduced.
• Challenges in India-US Talks:
  • India has asked for discreet deportation measures to avoid political backlash.
  • Concerns remain over potential restrictions on Indian migration programs.

Trump’s Economic Leverage on Immigration Policy:

• President Trump has leveraged trade policies to enforce immigration compliance:
• Tariff Impositions on Non-Cooperative Countries
  • Colombia refused to accept a deportation flight—Trump retaliated with 25% tariffs on Colombian goods.
  • Canada and Mexico also faced tariff threats, forcing them to ramp up border enforcement.
  • The US Congress is considering sanctions on countries not cooperating with deportation orders.
• How This Affects India
  • While India has cooperated with the US, it remains cautious of future trade restrictions.
  • India’s focus is on protecting its skilled workforce migration and avoiding economic retaliation.

Impact on the Indian Community in the US:

• Fear and Uncertainty Among Undocumented Migrants
  • Many Indian undocumented workers are avoiding public spaces due to increased arrests.
  • Detentions at workplaces and homes have caused economic strain in low-wage job sectors.
• Legal Migrants Also Affected
  • The H-1B visa program remains uncertain, with possible changes to sponsorship requirements.
  • Many Indian students fear tougher visa renewal policies.
• How India is Responding
  • India is monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that legal migrants’ rights are protected.
  • Diplomatic engagements with US policymakers are focused on preserving employment-based immigration programs.