Most of the Indian nationals deported from the United States this year have been sent back on commercial flights.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), between January 20 and now, around 1,563 Indians have been deported, mostly by commercial airlines.
Earlier data presented in Parliament revealed that 6,135 Indians were deported during Donald Trump’s first term (2017–2021).
The highest number was recorded in 2019, with 2,042 deportations, followed by 1,889 in 2020, 1,180 in 2018, and 1,024 in 2017.
During Trump’s presidency, the US carried out a tough crackdown on illegal immigration. In his first month in office in 2017, 37,660 migrants were deported, as per reports.
In comparison, under President Joe Biden, the number of Indians deported fell to around 3,000.
Currently, 18,000 undocumented Indians are on a US deportation list.
India’s Response and Warning for Visa Holders
India has been cooperating with the US on deportations, stating that every country has the responsibility to accept its citizens living abroad illegally, once their nationality is verified.
These deportations are seen as part of the earlier US crackdown targeting illegal entrants.
An estimated 725,000 Indians are living illegally in the United States, making them the third-largest undocumented ethnic group, after migrants from Mexico and El Salvador, according to Pew Research Center data.
Meanwhile, the US has cautioned that visa screening will continue even after visas are issued, and any wrongdoing could lead to cancellation.
On Thursday, the US Embassy in India warned that crimes like assault, theft, or burglary could result in visa revocation.
This advisory came after an Indian woman was caught stealing items worth ₹1.1 lakh from a Target store in Illinois.
