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Undocumented Migration • Deportation Trends • India–US Diplomacy • Asylum and Immigration Law

Deportation and Diplomacy: Addressing Irregular Indian Migration in the US

A recent diplomatic exchange between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar brought renewed focus on the growing issue of undocumented Indian immigrants in the United States. With over 20,000 Indian nationals facing deportation as of late 2024, the conversation highlights both humanitarian and geopolitical challenges surrounding irregular migration.

📜 Understanding the US Deportation Process

• Deportation is the legal removal of non-citizens who violate immigration laws.
• Grounds include overstayed visas, entry without documentation, or criminal activity.
• Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the US can fast-track deportation for individuals caught without valid documents at ports of entry.

Many undocumented Indians are detained before deportation and processed through expedited removal procedures, especially those apprehended at the border.

🛡️ Pathways for Appeal: Asylum and Legal Safeguards

• Those fearing persecution in their home country may apply for asylum.
• If a credible fear is established, they enter formal proceedings with legal review and representation.
• Asylum provides a chance for legal residency and, in some cases, a path to permanent status.

💸 The Costs of Deportation

• Deportations are managed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• High-risk individuals may be deported via ICE Air Operations, including chartered flights.
• Voluntary departure is also an option, but must be self-funded and approved by immigration authorities.
• Legal fees, travel costs, and detention expenses can make deportation financially devastating.

📉 Rising Deportation of Indian Nationals

• In 2019: 1,616 Indians were deported
• In 2020: 2,312 deported
• In 2024: 1,529 deported — a spike after a brief dip under the Biden administration

India now ranks above China among countries with the most citizens deported from the US.

🛤️ Why Indians Migrate Illegally: The ‘Donkey Route’

• States like Gujarat and Punjab account for a large number of undocumented migrants.
• Many use a dangerous, expensive journey known as the “donkey route”:
  • Travel begins via the UAE or Southeast Asia
  • Then moves through Central America and Mexico
  • Finally ends at the US southern border, often after years of transit
• This route can cost lakhs of rupees and includes risks of exploitation, detention, or death.

🤝 Impact on India–US Relations

• As deportation numbers climb, bilateral coordination is critical.
• India has signalled its willingness to assist, with the goal of preserving legal migration channels.
• Discussions also touch on visa reform, student migration, and the Indian diaspora’s economic contributions.

The focus now is on a balanced approach—ensuring border control while strengthening people-to-people ties and trade cooperation.