India’s Initiative to Repatriate 18,000 Illegal Migrants from the U.S.
In a significant diplomatic development, India has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the United States to repatriate approximately 18,000 Indian citizens currently residing illegally in the U.S. This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to maintain and strengthen its bilateral relationship with the U.S., particularly in the context of immigration and trade policies.
Background and Context
The U.S. has identified around 18,000 Indian nationals who are living in the country without legal authorization. While this figure is substantial, some estimates suggest that the actual number of undocumented Indian immigrants could be higher. For instance, a 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimated that approximately 220,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants were residing in the U.S. at that time.
Historically, India has been cooperative with the U.S. regarding the repatriation of its citizens. This latest move is seen as an effort by India to align with the U.S. administration’s focus on curbing illegal immigration and to ensure that legal immigration pathways remain open and robust.
Protecting Legal Immigration Channels
One of India’s primary motivations for this cooperation is to safeguard legal immigration channels that are crucial for its citizens. The H-1B visa program, for example, is vital for skilled Indian professionals seeking employment opportunities in the U.S. In 2023, Indian citizens accounted for nearly 75% of the 386,000 H-1B visas granted.
Additionally, student visas are essential for Indian nationals pursuing higher education in the U.S. By demonstrating a commitment to addressing illegal immigration, India aims to ensure that these legal avenues for migration remain accessible and are possibly expanded in the future.
Strategic Considerations
Beyond immigration concerns, India’s proactive stance is also influenced by broader strategic objectives. The Indian government is keen to avoid potential trade conflicts with the U.S., especially in light of previous criticisms regarding high import tariffs. By cooperating on immigration issues, India hopes to foster goodwill and mitigate the risk of punitive trade measures.
Furthermore, addressing illegal migration aligns with India’s domestic priorities. The government has been actively working to deter secessionist movements, such as the Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish a separate Sikh state. Officials believe that some supporters of this movement reside illegally in countries like the U.S. and Canada. Repatriating illegal migrants could help in countering such movements by reducing their overseas support base.
Recent Developments
In October 2024, as part of the ongoing cooperation between the two nations, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security chartered a repatriation flight that returned over 100 Indian nationals to India. This action built upon more than 1,100 deportations of Indian citizens in the preceding year, highlighting the collaborative efforts to manage illegal migration.
Official Statements
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative: “As part of India-U.S. cooperation on migration and mobility, both sides are engaged in a process to deter illegal migration. This is being done to create more avenues for legal migration from India to the U.S.” He also referenced the recent deportation flight as evidence of this ongoing partnership.
Conclusion
India’s decision to repatriate 18,000 of its citizens from the U.S. underscores its commitment to addressing illegal immigration while safeguarding essential legal migration channels. By aligning its policies with U.S. priorities, India aims to strengthen bilateral ties, protect its economic interests, and ensure that opportunities for its citizens in the U.S. remain robust and secure. Source Article.
