'Illegal' Indians Sent Back: Meanings for India's Foreign Policy

With Donald Trump back in the White House riding on strong anti-immigrant rhetoric, U.S.’ deportations, particularly concerning Indian nationals, have gained prominence amid the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies.

Recently, a U.S. military aircraft deported 104 Indian nationals to Amritsar marking a significant moment in the ongoing enforcement of these policies. This deportation is part of a broader trend, with estimates suggesting that around 725,000 undocumented Indians reside in the U.S., making them the third-largest group of unauthorised immigrants after those from Mexico and El Salvador.

The Indian government has expressed its readiness to accept these deportees, provided their nationality is verified, reflecting a commitment to addressing illegal immigration, which is often linked to organised crime.

The deportations have sparked political discourse in India, with opposition parties criticising the government’s handling of the situation and the treatment of deportees especially in contrast with management of similar situations under stalwarts like Sushma Swaraj.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a visit to the U.S., discussions on immigration and deportation are expected to be pivotal in shaping bilateral relations with the complexities surrounding this issue highlighting the intersection of immigration policy, international relations, and the socio-economic implications for both nations.

Jargon

deportation: The act of removing a non-citizen from a country for violating immigration laws. In the context of the US, it often refers to the removal of individuals who have entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas.
undocumented immigrants: Individuals residing in a country without legal permission or proper documentation. This term is commonly used to describe people who have entered a country without authorisation or have overstayed their visas.
organised crime: Criminal organisations that engage in illegal activities for profit, often linked to human trafficking and smuggling, which can be associated with illegal immigration.

Viewpoints 💭

‘Left’ Viewpoint

Ideological Differences

‘Right’ Viewpoint

The left criticises the deportation of Indian nationals as a violation of human rights, emphasising the harsh treatment and humiliation faced by deportees.
They argue that the deportations reflect a broader xenophobic and anti-immigrant stance of the Trump administration, which disproportionately affects marginalised communities.
The left highlights the economic contributions of Indian immigrants to the U.S. and argues that deportations undermine these contributions and harm bilateral relations.
They emphasise the need for a more humane and comprehensive immigration policy that prioritises family reunification and legal pathways to citizenship.
The left calls for the Indian government to take a stronger stance in protecting its citizens abroad and to address the root causes of migration, such as economic inequality and lack of opportunities.

The left views the deportation of Indian nationals as a humanitarian issue, criticising the Trump administration’s policies as inhumane and xenophobic, while the right sees it as a legal and security matter, emphasising the enforcement of immigration laws.
While the left focuses on the economic and social contributions of immigrants and calls for more inclusive immigration policies, the right prioritises national security and the rule of law, advocating for stricter immigration controls.
The left criticises the Indian government’s response as inadequate and calls for stronger protection of its citizens abroad, whereas the right supports India’s cooperation with the U.S. in verifying and accepting deportees, viewing it as a responsible approach to illegal immigration.
The left argues for addressing the root causes of migration, such as economic inequality, while the right emphasises the need for legal migration channels and the deterrence of illegal entry.
The left is concerned about the impact of deportations on U.S.-India relations and the Indian diaspora, advocating for diplomatic engagement, whereas the right views the deportations as a necessary step in maintaining the integrity of immigration systems and bilateral cooperation.

The right supports the deportation of illegal immigrants as a necessary measure to uphold the rule of law and protect national security.
They argue that the deportations are part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws and deter illegal migration, which is linked to organised crime.
The right emphasises the importance of verifying the nationality of deportees and ensuring that only those who have violated immigration laws are returned.
They highlight the need for cooperation between the U.S. and India in addressing illegal immigration and maintaining strong bilateral relations.

Prominent Voices 📣

From the ‘Left’

From the ‘Right’

Manickam Tagore (Congress MP): Criticised the Indian government’s silence on the deportation issue, emphasising the harsh treatment of deportees. ¹
Pawan Khera (Congress Leader): Urged for a strong response from the Indian government, drawing parallels with past diplomatic incidents. ¹
Deebashree Mohanty (Media professional): Expressed concern that deportations and their manner could impede India’s growth and affect its global aspirations. ²
Banasree Purkayastha (Journalist): Highlighted the potential impact of deportations on India-US relations and perceptions of legal migration. ³

Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India): Expressed willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on deportations, emphasising the need to address illegal immigration. ⁴
S Jaishankar (External Affairs Minister of India): Emphasised India’s willingness to accept deported citizens after verification and highlighted the importance of legal migration. ⁵ ⁶
Randhir Jaiswal (MEA spokesperson): Stated India’s opposition to illegal immigration due to its links to organised crime and the need for nationality verification. ⁵ ⁷
Marco Rubio (U.S. Secretary of State): Emphasised the Trump administration’s commitment to ending illegal immigration and the responsibility of nations to take back their citizens. ⁷ ⁸
Kristie A. Canegallo (Senior DHS official): Emphasised the immediate removal of undocumented Indian nationals and warned against the false promises of smugglers. ⁹