In an effort to strengthen ties with the United States, the Indian government has announced its readiness to assist in identifying and repatriating its citizens who are illegally residing in the U.S. This strategic move aims to align with the Trump administration’s priorities on immigration enforcement while avoiding potential trade conflicts, according to a Bloomberg report.
Recent reports reveal that the U.S. has identified around 18,000 Indian nationals living unlawfully in its territory. India has committed to verifying identities and facilitating their deportation, although the actual number of undocumented Indian migrants might be significantly higher. These individuals largely come from western Indian states like Punjab and Gujarat, areas with a high emigration rate.
Although Indian migrants make up only 3% of illegal crossings encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in fiscal year 2024, their numbers are on an upward trend. This is particularly noticeable along the northern U.S. border, where Indians now constitute nearly 25% of all unlawful entries, the highest proportion among intercepted migrants in that region.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security data from 2022 estimated about 220,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants in the U.S. The recent deportation flight in October followed the removal of over 1,100 Indian nationals in the previous year, indicating India’s proactive stance in managing this issue.
President Donald Trump, known for his stringent immigration policies, has made cracking down on illegal immigration a focal point of his administration. Shortly after his inauguration, he moved to limit birthright citizenship and enhance border security, setting a hard line on immigration.
India’s cooperation is also aimed at protecting legal migration routes, crucial for Indian students and professionals, especially through programs like the H-1B visa. In 2023, Indian nationals comprised nearly 75% of the 386,000 H-1B visas issued, highlighting the importance of these pathways for India’s tech sector.
Experts warn that non-cooperation could risk India’s labor agreements with other countries. The Modi government has already established labor mobility pacts with nations such as Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Israel to tackle job shortages and enhance overseas employment opportunities.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized, “As part of India-U.S. cooperation on migration and mobility, both sides are actively working to deter illegal migration and promote avenues for lawful migration.” He cited the successful repatriation of over 100 Indian nationals in October as a testament to this partnership.
Moreover, by cooperating on immigration, India seeks to maintain amicable relations with the Trump administration, particularly in light of previous criticisms regarding India’s import tariffs. This cooperation could mitigate risks of retaliatory trade policies from the U.S.