At least 104 Indian citizens were deported from the United States on Tuesday night, marking a significant event in US-India immigration relations. The deportation flight, a C-17 military aircraft, departed from the US and landed in Amritsar, Punjab. This flight represents the longest-distance deportation since the Trump administration began using military aircraft for transporting migrants. The surge in illegal entry by Indian citizens, which has increased dramatically over recent years, underscores the complexities of migration between the two nations.
The number of Indian nationals entering the US illegally has skyrocketed from 8,027 during the 2018 to 2019 fiscal year to a staggering 96,917 in the 2022 to 2023 period. Many of these migrants are young individuals seeking better job opportunities in the US, often taking perilous routes through Latin America to reach the southern border. Among those deported was Akashdeep Singh, a 23-year-old who spent nearly $60,000 on his journey. His family sold two-thirds of their land to finance his attempt to reach the US. Detained and deported soon after his arrival in January, Akashdeep's story reflects the desperation and high stakes involved in such journeys.
“The youth want to live a good life,” remarked Lakbhir Singh, a former village leader from Punjab who is familiar with one of the deportees.
The deported individuals hail primarily from India's Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab states. Upon their return, Punjab State Minister of Non-resident Indian Affairs, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, met with them and urged the federal government to address the situation more effectively. Local leaders in Punjab are advocating for comprehensive measures to tackle the underlying causes driving this migration trend.
“The government should do something about it, instead of flashing their names and villages on television. They should deal with the problem at the core of it,” Lakbhir Singh added.
Akashdeep's cousin, Manriasat Singh, noted the emotional toll of the deportation.
“His parents are happy that he has not spent ten years in jail and is returning. At least he is alive,” he stated, highlighting a silver lining amid their challenges.
The Indian government has expressed its readiness to receive its citizens back. However, the growing numbers of undocumented migrants indicate a pressing need for bilateral dialogue and solutions to address economic opportunities and migration pressures.
