US Crackdown on Illegal Migration: Jaishankar Stresses Industry Crackdown, Opposition Criticizes Deportation
Deportation of 104 illegal Indian immigrants from the US fuels political debate. Jaishankar urges crackdown on traffickers, Opposition criticizes treatment.
US Deportation of Illegal Indian Immigrants Sparks Political Debate, Jaishankar Calls for Crackdown on Migration Industry
The recent deportation of 104 illegal Indian immigrants from the United States has created a huge political controversy in India. The Indian government is working to dismantle the illegal migration industry and open up visa access for genuine travelers. Meanwhile, the Opposition has severely condemned the treatment meted out to the deportees. Simultaneously, US officials have defended their action citing national security reasons.
Deportation Details and US Justification
Recently, a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft landed in Amritsar, carrying 104 deported Indian nationals from various states, including Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Among them were 19 women and 13 children. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, illegal migration mainly benefits traffickers while harming those seeking better opportunities. The US Embassy in India reiterated this stance, emphasizing that enforcing immigration laws is crucial for national security and public safety.
Why the Crackdown Now?
The deportation is a part of the aggressive posture by former President Donald Trump against illegal immigration, a significant issue during his recent election campaign. The administration has been vigorously enforcing the strict immigration policies, and the deportations have increased as well. The repatriation of Indian nationals is seen as the direct outcome of this policy change.
Read more: Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: 60.4% Voter Turnout, Lowest Since 2008
Allegations of Inhumane Treatment
Politicians in India are in an outrage for the deportation from Sri Lanka are said to be restrained on board. Deportees travel through a military plane for over 40 hours shackled hand and leg according to media reports, only releasing it for the bathroom breaks. Opp leaders react to this, they were irate, branding Indian government incapable of ensuring treatment with dignity on those Indians being taken abroad.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended the government’s stand against the claims that its stance had violated international law, citing the need to dismantle the illegal migration industry and facilitate legal travel as the real focus. He also added that discussions were currently underway with US authorities to prevent mistreatment of deportees. The government downplayed the development as exceptional, claiming that the use of restraints is part of the standard US procedures brought in since 2012.
Besides, it was also reported that among the 104 deportees, one person was on the Interpol wanted list. The person is being taken to court.
Illegal Migration Industry and Its Routes
Illegal migration networks have multiple routes. The smuggling charges are quite high. According to vlogger Aditya Tiwari, who works on building awareness about illegal migration, agents provide packages with varying charges-the treacherous jungle route through Panama for ₹15-20 lakh and flights through Azerbaijan or Argentina for ₹70-80 lakh.
Opposition’s Criticism and Political Fallout
When their alleged mistreatment has been downplayed by Jaishankar and the Indian government, the Opposition continues to raise the issue. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut asked why Indian laws did not come into effect once the deportees entered India. He opined that they should have had their handcuffs removed the moment they landed.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the US had the right to deport illegal migrants, but decried the sending them off on a military aircraft. He felt a commercial or civilian charter flight would be more appropriate.
Conclusion
Indian politics is witnessing a firestorm due to the deportation of Indian illegal migrants. While the Indian government is cracking down on trafficking networks, the alleged mistreatment of deportees has now reached the forefront of India’s political agenda, courtesy of the Opposition parties. And with the US firming its stance on its immigration policies, this will not stay out of India’s political discourse for too long.
We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join.
Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.
