Thursday
19th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Over 17,000 Undocumented Indians Await Deportation in the USA
As the United States prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, new data from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that 17,940 undocumented Indian nationals are facing deportation. This places India 13th among 208 countries with nationals residing illegally in the US, highlighting the extent of Indian migration without proper documentation.
The statistics highlights a broader issue of illegal migration, with India being one of the few Asian countries listed. The majority of undocumented Indians hail from Punjab, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh—regions with high migration rates. ICE has reported an average of 90,000 Indian nationals apprehended annually while attempting to enter the US illegally in the past three years.
Compounding the situation, ICE has labeled India "uncooperative" due to delays in verifying citizenship and issuing travel documents necessary for deportation. India is among 15 nations, including Pakistan, categorised as uncooperative, which hampers deportation processes. ICE expects nations to confirm the nationality of their citizens, conduct interviews, and facilitate repatriation, including via commercial or charter flights.
The incoming Trump administration has signalled a tougher stance on illegal immigration, emphasising deportation as a national security priority. With stricter enforcement measures on the horizon, undocumented Indians face uncertain futures as they navigate protracted legal proceedings and a challenging deportation process.