In the United States, following his re-election, President Donald Trump swiftly initiated stringent actions against illegal immigrants. On January 20, 2025, as he assumed office, he issued several executive orders. These included declaring a national emergency, modifying the refugee admission program, enhancing the security of national borders, and reviewing American citizenship protocols. These directives have instilled a sense of fear among millions of immigrants residing in the US. Consequently, numerous foreign nationals have been declared illegal immigrants and deported.
India's 104 Migrants Deported in Shackles
The Trump administration's strict policies have also impacted India. A day prior, 104 Indians were deported back to India using a C-17 military aircraft. They were sent back restrained in handcuffs and shackles, which remained in place throughout their 40-hour journey. Although the American government perceives them as criminals, the local government describes them as illegal immigrants.
Among those deported, 33 hailed from Haryana, another 33 from Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, and smaller groups from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh. These individuals had entered the US via the 'Dunki Route.' The American authorities have made it clear that more illegal immigrants will be identified and sent back to their respective countries.
How Many Illegal Immigrants are There in the USA? Which Countries Lead?
In the US, one in every four foreign nationals is an illegal immigrant. According to the 2022 census, approximately 11 million individuals reside in the country without legal documents. Of these, 77% have lived in the US for five years or more.
In 1980, 80% of the illegal immigrants were concentrated in just six states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. Today, these six states house 56% of the total immigrant population, indicating that illegal immigrants have now spread across the entire nation.
Countries from Where the Most Illegal Immigrants Arrive in the USA:
Source: aajtak
India ranks ninth on this list, but the number of Indian illegal immigrants has decreased by 15% compared to 2012.
Which US President Deported the Most Immigrants?
Since Trump's return to power, it's evident that he aims to remove as many illegal immigrants as possible. But is he the president with the highest deportation count? The statistics reveal the facts:
In 2024, President Joe Biden's administration deported 271,484 individuals, more than any year in Trump's previous term. However, the highest deportations occurred during Barack Obama's administration, with over 400,000 people removed in 2012.
Source: aajtak
During Trump's first tenure (2017-2021), 750,000 were deported. Under Biden (2021-2024), 500,000 were deported. Meanwhile, during Obama's first term (2009-2013), 2.9 million illegal immigrants were sent back to their countries.
When Were Indian Migrants Deported?
Previously, Foreign Minister Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha that deportation rules have always existed. This practice has continued over the years. Each nation verifies the nationality of foreign residents.
From 2009 onwards, Foreign Minister Jaishankar provided data, stating that annually illegal immigrants are returned. He noted that 734 Indians were deported from the US in 2009. The numbers were 799 in 2010, 597 in 2011, 530 in 2012, 515 in 2013, 591 in 2014, 708 in 2015, 1303 in 2016, 1024 in 2017, 1180 in 2018, 2042 in 2019, 1889 in 2020, 805 in 2021, 862 in 2022, 617 in 2023, and 1368 in 2024.
Which Countries' Residents Were Deported the Most?
Source: aajtak
India isn't in the top 10, but with the recent deportation of 104 Indians, the numbers might rise. The data clearly shows that the crackdown on illegal immigrants has been consistent since 2013, with an average of over 200,000 immigrants deported each year.
Is India on This List?
Between 2013 and 2024, a total of 2.27 million immigrants were deported from the US. Of these, 94% were from just 10 countries, with Mexico leading at 54%. Notably, India and China are the only Asian nations in the top 20, with India at the 12th position and China at the 16th.
The US is increasing its measures against illegal immigrants. The Trump administration has already taken significant steps by deporting the first batch of Indians arriving via the 'Dunki Route' and may implement further actions in the future.
