Soon after President Donald Trump took office, actions against illegal immigrants commenced. This instilled fear among immigrants in America who lack proper visa documents. Many have begun seeking legal options, causing concern in India as well.
According to documents from the American administration, approximately 18,000 Indians reside in the U.S. without valid documentation. The Trump administration may send these individuals back to New Delhi, which is a point of concern for India.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data indicates that as of November 2024, around 20,407 individuals are considered undocumented. The Trump administration is focused on these individuals, with a final removal order potentially issued at any time. Among these, 2,467 Indians are in U.S. immigration detention camps, while 17,940 are labeled 'paperless' by America.
These figures place Indians fourth in terms of nationality within American detention camps.
A 2024 Pew Research report states that Indians are the third-largest undocumented immigrant community in America, following Mexicans and Salvadorans.
In 2024, the ICE department deported approximately 270,000 migrants to 192 countries, including India, sending 1,529 illegal Indian immigrants back home.
Source: aajtak
The ICE annual report shows a fivefold increase in the number of Indians deported over four years – from 292 in 2021 to 1,529 in 2024.
According to the Indian Express, Foreign Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Lok Sabha that between November 2023 and October 2024, 519 Indians were deported from the U.S.
What is a Final Removal Order?
A 'Removal Order' is issued by an immigration judge. Once affirmed by the appellate authority, it becomes a Final Removal Order. Currently, 20,407 Indian migrants face this threat, accused of lacking complete documents necessary to stay in America.
These Indians are on the deportation list, potentially bound for their original countries if the Trump administration maintains its firm policies.
How Many Illegal Immigrants Are in America?
Statistics suggest between 11 to 14 million immigrants may reside in America. However, Trump estimates this figure might be between 20 to 25 million, amidst a total population of 340 million.
The Trump administration prioritized the deportation of 655,000 individuals with criminal records alongside 1.4 million who have already been served deportation orders.
The Statistics on Illegal Indian Immigrants
Pew Research Center's data suggests about 725,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants reside in the U.S., making them the third-largest group after Mexicans and Salvadorans.
Trump’s Future Plans
Interestingly, the policies of Biden, Obama, and Bush were more lenient towards immigrants, whereas Trump seeks a complete overhaul. At Washington, Trump stated, "We will stop illegal entries once and for all. No one will breach our borders. We shall remain a free and proud nation."
Following Trump's stance, U.S. border officials ceased the 'One Entry' program, which allowed migrants entry into America based on an app service. Interviews under the program were also canceled.
Names for these interviews were selected by lottery; once selected and approved, migrants could settle in America. However, Trump terminated this app-based entry system.
Trump's stringent policies on illegal immigrants became apparent the moment he declared an emergency at the Mexico border, dispatching military presence. Trump's strict stance could pose significant challenges for the 18,000 Indians currently on America’s radar.
India Considered "Uncooperative" by U.S. Agencies
The ICE reports that India does not assist in identifying its citizens residing illegally in America. Consequently, India finds itself classified among "uncooperative" countries, alongside Bhutan, Burma, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iran, Laos, Pakistan, the People's Republic of China, Russia, Somalia, and Venezuela.
ICE documents further indicate expectations from foreign governments to verify the citizenship of individuals in America.
