In reaction to the recent ramped-up activities of the U.S. to crack down on illegal immigration, the Indian government has reiterated its willingness to bring back any illegal Indian citizens in the U.S. This is in line with Indian-enunciated peripheral policy against illegal immigration and commitment to promote legal migration frameworks.
Official Statement
At a press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal presented India’s viewpoint:” We have made this clear earlier, too. We are against illegal immigration, particularly because of the connection it has to organized crime in different forms.”
Jaiswal added that this commitment by India would still exist, to facilitate the repatriation of all its citizens who overstay abroad, once their Indian nationality is certified.
U.S. Intensifies its Immigration Operations
The U.S.-based deportations were recently ramped up under President Donald Trump’s regime. Many undocumented immigrants, including Indian nationals, stand to be affected by these measures. According to ICE, more than 538 illegal immigrants were deported in a recent operation, underlining the commitment of the administration toward the fair play of strict immigration.
India’s Steps to Catch Up
Following these developments, India is proactively engaged with U.S. authorities on this matter. New Delhi is offering to take in about 18,000 Indian undocumented immigrants from the U.S.
This arrangement would demonstrate India’s cooperation with the U.S. on immigration issues and also safeguard legal immigration options, particularly the H-1B visa program, which immensely interests skilled Indian professionals.
Concerns Among Indian Students
The decided crackdown has stirred apprehension among these Indians pursuing studies in the U.S. Many of them have given up their part-time, off-campus jobs to escape any possibility of breaking their visa terms. Unlike the U.S., which allows international students on F-1 visas to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week, working off-campus without authorization is completely prohibited. Students fear deportation leading to their compliance with the visa conditions being prioritized over additional cash.
Bilateral Discussions
High-level talks between the two nations have enabled irregular migration among concerns to be voiced. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar have held discussions on the issue and reiterated their commitment to cooperating to manage illegal migration, while also encouraging legal avenues for migration.
Such dialogues will go a long way in stressing the importance of doing away with any hindrances that stifle bilateral ties, which ensure the safe living of their citizens in the territory of the two states.
The Republic of India asserts its dedication to the repatriation of nationals who overstay in jurisdictions, affirming its commitment towards countering illegal migration and international cooperation. Hence, the U.S. continues to be stringent on this aspect of immigration policy, with India’s proactive policy envisaged to ensure the orderly return of its citizens in compliance with the legal frameworks governing migration systems.
