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US Deportations Surge, Impacting Undocumented Indian Immigrants

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The US has initiated large-scale deportations under expedited removal policies, impacting over 20,000 undocumented Indians. Rising deportation figures highlight stricter immigration enforcement, with Indian nationals among the top groups facing removal from the country in recent years.

Deportation Process in the US

• Deportation involves removing non-citizens from the US for violating immigration laws.
• Grounds for deportation include criminal acts, public safety threats, or visa violations.
• The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows “expedited removal” for non-citizens who enter the US without proper travel documents or violate visa rules.
• Many Indians facing deportation fall under the expedited removal category, often detained at entry ports or borders.

Appeals, Costs, and Execution of Deportation

• Non-citizens subject to expedited removal can appeal if they claim asylum due to fear of persecution.
• Those with credible fear claims undergo formal removal proceedings instead of expedited removal.
• Deportation costs are either borne voluntarily by individuals or managed by ICE’s Air Operations (IAO), which uses commercial and chartered flights.
• ICE operates special high-risk flights for cases with final removal orders or security risks, with facilities in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.

Impact on Indian Immigrants

• Over 20,000 undocumented Indians could be impacted, including 17,940 under final removal orders and 2,647 in detention.
• Deportations of Indians have risen, with 1,529 deported in 2024, compared to lower figures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• India ranks among the top countries for deportations from the US, nearly equaling Brazil and above China.

This summary underscores the rising deportation trends and their impact on Indian immigrants.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times