In a significant diplomatic development, India has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the United States to repatriate approximately 18,000 Indian citizens currently residing illegally in the U.S. This initiative is part of India's broader strategy to maintain and strengthen its bilateral relationship with the U.S., particularly regarding immigration and trade policies.
Background and Context
The U.S. has identified around 18,000 Indian nationals living without legal authorization. Some estimates suggest the actual number of undocumented Indian immigrants could be higher. For instance, a 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimated around 220,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants were residing in the U.S. at that time.
Historically, India has cooperated with the U.S. on repatriation. This latest move aligns with the U.S. administration's focus on curbing illegal immigration and ensures that legal immigration pathways remain open and robust.
Protecting Legal Immigration Channels
A key motivation for India is to safeguard legal immigration channels, which are essential for its citizens. The H-1B visa program is critical for skilled Indian professionals seeking U.S. employment. In 2023, Indian citizens accounted for nearly 75% of the 386,000 H-1B visas granted.
Similarly, student visas are vital for Indians pursuing higher education in the U.S. By addressing illegal immigration, India ensures these legal migration avenues remain accessible and potentially expanded in the future.
Strategic Considerations
India’s proactive approach also serves broader strategic objectives:
- Avoiding potential trade conflicts with the U.S., especially regarding tariffs
- Aligning with domestic priorities, such as curbing overseas support for secessionist movements like the Khalistan movement
- Strengthening bilateral relations while maintaining open legal migration pathways
Recent Developments
In October 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security chartered a repatriation flight returning over 100 Indian nationals to India. This built upon more than 1,100 deportations in the preceding year, highlighting collaborative efforts to manage illegal migration.
Official Statements
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated: "As part of India-U.S. cooperation on migration and mobility, both sides are engaged in a process to deter illegal migration. This is being done to create more avenues for legal migration from India to the U.S."
Conclusion
India’s initiative to repatriate 18,000 citizens underscores its commitment to addressing illegal immigration while safeguarding essential legal migration channels. By cooperating with the U.S., India strengthens bilateral ties, protects economic interests, and ensures opportunities for its citizens in the U.S. remain robust.
FAQs
Who is being repatriated to India from the U.S.? Approximately 18,000 Indian citizens living illegally in the U.S., including some undocumented immigrants.
How does this affect legal migration to the U.S.? India’s cooperation aims to safeguard legal channels like H-1B visas and student visas for skilled professionals and students.
Has India previously collaborated on repatriation? Yes, India has a history of working with the U.S. on repatriating citizens and addressing illegal migration.
Why is India focusing on this initiative? To maintain bilateral relations, protect economic interests, and ensure legal migration pathways remain accessible.
