India’s Response to U.S. Deportation and Immigration Policies

Why in the news?

India agrees to repatriate illegal immigrants from the U.S., aiming to maintain smooth legal travel channels while safeguarding student and skilled professional visa categories amid President Trump’s intensified deportation policies and immigration reforms.

India's Response to U.S. Deportation and Immigration Policies

India’s Stand on Illegal Immigration:

  • India is open to accepting its citizens who have illegally entered the U.S.
  • This move is a low-cost diplomatic concession for India to maintain smooth legal travel channels for its citizens.
  • The Indian government seeks to avoid high-visibility deportations that could lead to political embarrassment.

U.S. Deportation Policies and Challenges:

  • S. President Donald Trump aims to deport one million undocumented immigrants annually, including 20,000 identified from India.
  • The S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faces limited detention capacity with 40,000 beds.
  • Reports suggest increasing detentions at homes and workplaces, creating fear among migrant communities.
  • The S. may seek financial contributions from countries for deportation flights.

India’s Concerns over H-1B Visas and Skilled Migration:

  • India is concerned about the impact on its students and professionals working in the U.S.
  • As of May 2024, 51 lakh Indian students were in the U.S., mostly in STEM programs.
  • Indian nationals received 72% of H-1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023.
  • Indian IT giants like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro secured approvals for thousands of H-1B employees.

Trump has expressed support for the H-1B program, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals.