US deported 205 Indian migrants in the first phase, as President Donald Trump have targeted illegal immigrants. The largest deportation operation of illegal immigrants in US history is underway. Officials are identifying those who are staying illegally and sending them to their respective countries in special flights. A military plane carrying illegal immigrants from India has left for New Delhi. National media reports have stated that there are 205 Indians on board. These illegal immigrants are being transported in a C17 aircraft. It is estimated that this plane will take about 24 hours to reach India. Total 18000 Indians identified as illegal immigrants in US, 205 deported so far. Meanwhile, it is reported that there are about 7.26 Lakh Indians staying in America without proper documents.
Trump’s Strict Actions
Trump has been strict on illegal immigrants from the beginning. He railed against illegal immigrants issue during his election campaign. He said he would deport them from the country. As soon as he came to power, Trump signed 10 executive orders related to immigration. He also issued several orders to implement the promises he made. However, some of them are facing legal challenges. Others may take time to be implemented.
After taking office, the process of identifying and transporting illegal immigrants has been accelerated. President taking rapid steps, and whipping up sanctions against countries that opposed is actions. Initially, 538 people were arrested and transported to their respective countries. The Pentagon is ready to deport 5,000 illegal immigrants in El Paso, Texas, San Diego, and California to their respective countries. The US has already flown several immigrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras on US flights. It is reported that the US is spending a lot of money to deport each immigrant. It is reported that the superpower spent about $4,675 on each person deported to Guatemala last week.
Fear among Students
There is also fear among students who have come to the US on visas from various countries to study. Many of them work part-time jobs to earn money for their studies. Such students are panicking with the latest steps taken by the government. They are worried about where they will be targeted.
How India Respond?
India has already expressed its response to the policies being followed by the US on illegal immigrants. It has been stated that it is against illegal immigration and that this issue is linked to many organized crimes. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has made it clear that it will allow Indians to be brought back from anywhere, including the US, even if their visas have expired or they do not have proper documents. It is reported that there are about 7,25,000 Indian immigrants in the US without proper documents. The US government has prepared a list of 18,000 of them to be deported to India.
Indians – Second Largest Immigrants
Indians are the second largest immigrant population in the US after Mexicans and Salvadorans. It is noteworthy that the first round of evacuation of illegal immigrants from India is taking place at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the US soon.
