A US military aircraft carrying illegal Indian migrants has departed for India as part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to remove undocumented immigrants. The C-17 aircraft, according to a US official, took off on Monday but will take over 24 hours to arrive. The US government has identified 1.5 million individuals for deportation, including 18000 Indians.
Number of Illegal Indians in the US Rises
According to Pew Research Centre, nearly 725000 Indian nationals are living illegally in the United States. This makes India the third-largest source of undocumented migrants in the country, following Mexico and El Salvador. While many enter legally through work or student visas, some overstay their permits or cross borders without documentation.
Indias Response to Deportation Plans
The Indian government has stated its commitment to verifying the identities of those being deported. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that India has always accepted the return of its citizens if their identities are confirmed. However, the process of verification takes time, and the exact number of Indians facing deportation remains unclear.
Trump and Modi Discuss Immigration Policy
During a recent phone call, Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the issue of Indian deportations. Trump has claimed that Modi will ensure a smooth return for undocumented Indians. The US is focusing on large-scale deportations, with military aircraft now being used to transport illegal migrants back to their home countries.
US Expands Deportation Operations
Apart from India, the Pentagon has initiated deportation flights to multiple countries, including Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. Over 5000 migrants have already been sent back from El Paso and San Diego. The US government is increasing efforts to reduce illegal immigration, making it a priority in its border security policies.
