The recent deportation of Indian nationals from the United States, involving allegations of unauthorized immigration, led to protests in India's Parliament. Opposition parties raised concerns, but Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that such deportations are not a new practice. This is part of ongoing actions by the U.S. against illegal immigration. Last year alone, several Indian citizens were deported, despite the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jaishankar emphasized that this process is not isolated to one nation but is a broader policy issue dealing with illegal immigration. He assured that those being deported are not being treated harshly but rather are undergoing standard procedures that include safeguards. According to reports, most of those deported were from the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
These deportations fall under the actions of U.S. immigration authorities, particularly the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) department, which oversees enforcement. These deportations are conducted following established protocols, which include ensuring the humane treatment of deportees. Women and children among the deportees were also subjected to the same procedures, with provisions made for food and medicine during their journey back to India.
Despite concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the fairness and humanitarian aspects of the deportation process, Jaishankar defended the actions, stating that these are in line with U.S. laws and regulations on illegal immigration. He also made it clear that India maintains a neutral stance on this issue, acknowledging the right of sovereign nations to enforce immigration laws as they see fit.
The deportations took place with careful coordination between U.S. and Indian authorities, and the individuals were flown back via scheduled flights, including one that arrived in Amritsar, Punjab, on Wednesday. However, the move sparked considerable backlash, leading to protests and calls for better handling of Indian nationals abroad.