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The United States recently repatriated a plane full of Indian nationals who were deemed to be illegally residing within the country. This action, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), underscores the ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and deter illegal migration. The deportation, carried out on a chartered flight, was a result of collaborative efforts between the US and Indian governments aimed at managing migration flows.
The DHS emphasized its commitment to working with international partners, including India, to reduce and prevent irregular migration and combat human smuggling. While the exact number of individuals deported and their specific origins in India were not disclosed, the DHS emphasized that Indian nationals lacking lawful residency are subject to immediate removal. Senior officials, including Kristie A Canegallo, serving as the acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, stressed the importance of enforcing US immigration laws.
The Indian government also acknowledged its role in this joint initiative, citing its cooperation with the US to deter illegal migration and establish more avenues for lawful migration from India to the US. The deportation, as well as similar actions undertaken in previous years, are seen as a component of this broader cooperation. Data released by the US Customs and Border Protection indicated that in 2023, US authorities encountered 96,917 illegal Indian immigrants. Both governments regularly engage in dialogue through mechanisms like the India-US Consular Dialogue to address consular issues, including the promotion of safe and legal migration.
The DHS highlighted its commitment to utilizing various tools to curb irregular migration and promote the use of secure, lawful, and orderly migration pathways. Additionally, the agency emphasizes its dedication to holding transnational criminal organizations accountable for human smuggling and exploitation. The repatriation of Indian nationals without legal residency serves as a clear demonstration of the US government's resolve to uphold its immigration laws and safeguard national security.
Source: US sends back a planeload of illegal Indian immigrants