More than 1,500 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since January of this year, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirming the latest batch arrived just last week.
Ongoing Deportations from the US
According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the MEA, a total of 1,563 Indian citizens have been sent back by US authorities between January 20 and July 16. The majority of these individuals traveled back to India on commercial flights, indicating a steady and organized process.
The MEA has been closely tracking these developments, confirming that the deportations are part of an ongoing process. “People have been coming in batches on commercial flights. Last week also, we had people who came back,” Jaiswal stated, highlighting the continuous nature of these returns.
Confirming Nationality: A Key Step
A crucial aspect of the deportation process involves thorough verification of nationality. US authorities provide lists of individuals slated for deportation to the Indian side. It is only after the Indian government confirms the nationality of these individuals that the deportation proceeds.
This verification step ensures that only genuine Indian nationals are repatriated, preventing complications and ensuring proper identification of the deported individuals. This collaborative process between the two nations is vital for managing such large-scale returns.
Past Incidents and Concerns
While most recent deportations have occurred via commercial flights, earlier this year, a more controversial incident made headlines. More than 300 Indian nationals were deported on three US military flights, sparking widespread debate.
Adding to the concern was the detail that women and children were reportedly handcuffed during these specific deportations, drawing criticism and raising questions about the treatment of individuals during the repatriation process.
- Since January 20, 2024, 1,563 Indian nationals have been deported from the US.
- Most deportations occur on commercial flights.
- Indian nationality is confirmed by the MEA before deportation takes place.
- An earlier incident involved over 300 individuals deported on military flights, some reportedly handcuffed.
The consistent flow of deportations underscores the strict immigration policies in the United States and the ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to manage the return of their citizens.
