India plans to bring back 18,000 illegal immigrants from US amid Trump’s crackdown on undocumented residents
PTC Web Desk: India is preparing to repatriate thousands of its citizens living illegally in the United States as part of efforts to cooperate with the Trump administration’s strict stance on immigration. The initiative aligns with US President Donald Trump’s promise to curb illegal immigration and deport undocumented individuals. Reports suggest that approximately 18,000 Indians have been identified for deportation, although the total number of undocumented Indians in the US remains uncertain and could potentially be higher.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has made immigration reform a cornerstone of his administration. In swift actions following his inauguration, Trump implemented measures such as shutting down the CBP One app, which facilitated legal immigrant entry by granting work eligibility, and abolishing birthright citizenship.
Additionally, he declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, mobilising troops to enhance border security and restrict illegal crossings. These policies have left undocumented immigrants, as well as those on temporary visas, concerned about their future in the United States.
Indians constitute one of the largest diaspora communities in the US and are particularly prominent in specialised job sectors through the H-1B visa programme. According to 2023 data, Indians received three-quarters of the 386,000 H-1B visas issued. However, India’s contribution to illegal immigration remains relatively modest compared to countries such as Mexico and Venezuela.
Despite this, the figure of 18,000 Indians identified for deportation aligns closely with the numbers released by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in late 2024. ICE reported that 17,940 Indians were among the 1.45 million individuals scheduled for deportation, including those awaiting removal orders. India ranked 13th among Asian countries with undocumented immigrants in the US, far behind China, which topped the list with 37,908 individuals.
India’s decision to cooperate with the Trump administration on this matter underscores its willingness to address the issue of illegal immigration while strengthening diplomatic ties. The government has yet to release a comprehensive statement on the exact measures to be taken, but the initiative signals a proactive approach toward aligning with US immigration policies.
- With inputs from agencies
