The Indian government has announced its readiness to identify and repatriate 18,000 undocumented Indian nationals residing in the United States. This move, aimed at aligning with the Trump administration’s strict immigration enforcement priorities, is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations while addressing the rising issue of unlawful migration.
Reports from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicate that Indian migrants account for about 3% of illegal crossings encountered by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in fiscal year 2024. However, Indians now constitute nearly 25% of unlawful entries along the northern U.S. border, the highest proportion among intercepted migrants in the region.
In response, India has committed to verifying identities and facilitating deportations, with efforts already underway. A deportation flight in October saw over 100 Indian nationals repatriated, adding to the 1,100 deportations carried out in 2023.
This cooperation is critical to safeguarding legal migration routes, such as the H-1B visa program, which plays a vital role in India’s tech sector. In 2023, Indian nationals made up nearly 75% of the 386,000 H-1B visas issued. Ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws protects these opportunities and avoids potential disruptions to skilled worker programs.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stressed the importance of balancing lawful migration with efforts to combat illegal entries:
India’s efforts to manage the issue of undocumented migration reflect its commitment to maintaining international partnerships while addressing domestic concerns about migration. As deportations continue, the focus will likely remain on balancing enforcement with safeguarding legal migration pathways critical to India’s economy and workforce.