*** US Deports First Batch of Undocumented Indian Migrants | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

US Deports First Batch of Undocumented Indian Migrants

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The United States has initiated the deportation of undocumented Indian migrants, with the first batch set to arrive in India this week. The move comes as President Donald Trump, in his second term, ramps up immigration enforcement and warns of trade action against nations that do not comply with his policies.

A C-17 US military aircraft carrying 205 Indian nationals who were residing illegally in the US is scheduled to land in Amritsar, Punjab, on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the matter. This deportation underscores New Delhi’s cooperation, as each individual's identity was verified before their return.

This flight is expected to be the first of many as the US intensifies its efforts to expel illegal immigrants. Notably, the C-17 aircraft, unless equipped with a specialized galley, has only a single onboard lavatory for all passengers, highlighting the logistical challenges of such mass deportations.

The deportation process comes at a crucial time, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi preparing for his first official visit to the US since Trump reassumed office. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has reiterated India’s stance on the “legitimate return” of its nationals living illegally abroad, including in the US.

“For the first time in history, we are locating and loading illegal aliens into military aircraft and flying them back to the places from which they came,” President Trump stated last month, reinforcing his administration’s tough stance on immigration.

The latest deportation signals a potential shift in US-India relations, as both nations navigate diplomatic and economic discussions amid stricter immigration policies.