- Pew Research: India ranks third in unauthorized US immigrants, with 725,000 individuals.
- Trump’s Executive Order: Mass deportations begin to tackle illegal immigration.
- Record Arrests: 90,000 Indian nationals arrested for illegal immigration in 2023.
- India’s Response: Over 18,000 illegal Indian immigrants identified for repatriation.
- Government Cooperation: India and US collaborate on deportation efforts, with verifications.
A report from the Pew Research Center reveals that India ranks third among unauthorized immigrants in the United States. The report, which covers the years 2019 to 2022, estimates that 725,000 individuals from India are living in the US illegally. Mexico leads the list with over 4 million unauthorized immigrants, followed by El Salvador with 750,000.
This growing trend of illegal immigration from countries such as India, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, and former Soviet republics has gained significant attention in recent years. Amidst a broader crackdown on illegal immigration in the US, this rise in numbers has sparked concerns about the future of immigration policies.
Trump’s Executive Order on Mass Deportations
On January 22, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at suspending the entry of individuals involved in “an invasion of the United States.” This order aligns with Trump’s long-standing position on tackling illegal immigration and fulfills one of his campaign promises.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized the negative effects of illegal immigration on American society, including its burden on taxpayers, safety, and public services. “Illegal immigration costs our country billions and billions of dollars each year,” Trump stated. He added, “We are doing everything possible to address this crisis.”
With the signing of the executive order, the US government began what is expected to be the largest mass deportation operation in history. This operation focuses on individuals who have entered the country illegally in recent years, with many from India among those affected.
The Surge of Indian Unauthorized Immigrants
The Pew Research report highlights a notable increase in the number of unauthorized immigrants from India between 2019 and 2022. In addition to Indian nationals, the US has also seen a rise in immigrants from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, and former Soviet states.
In 2023 alone, approximately 90,000 Indian nationals were arrested while attempting to enter the US illegally, according to government data reported by The New York Times. This is part of a broader trend of increasing unauthorized immigration despite heightened border security efforts.
The Indian government has been actively involved in the repatriation process, with more than 1,000 Indian nationals deported from the US in 2024. As the US ramps up deportations, both the Indian and US governments are working closely to address this issue.
India and US Collaborate on Repatriation of Illegal Immigrants
The US and Indian governments have identified around 18,000 Indian nationals for deportation under the current program. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India confirmed that it will accept these individuals after verifying their nationality. They will confirm that they are indeed Indian citizens.
India’s MEA has made it clear that it does not support illegal immigration. They especially oppose it when it leads to organized crime. Randhir Jaiswal, an MEA spokesperson, said, “If Indians are overstaying anywhere in the world, we will take them back after verifying documents.”
The US and Indian governments have worked together to identify and deport individuals. However, it is still unclear how many Indian unauthorized immigrants remain in the US
India’s Stance on Illegal Immigration and Organized Crime
India has repeatedly expressed its opposition to illegal immigration, emphasizing the links between unauthorized migration and organized criminal activity. The Indian government views the issue as a threat to national security and has sought to strengthen its collaboration with other countries, including the US, to curb illegal immigration.
As part of these efforts, India has focused on verifying the nationality of individuals before accepting their return. The MEA has stressed that it will only repatriate verified Indian nationals, further demonstrating its commitment to protecting its citizens’ rights while also addressing the issue of illegal immigration.
A Shift in US Immigration Policy
The Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration marks a significant shift in US policy. The mass deportation operation is expected to affect thousands of unauthorized immigrants, including many from India. While this operation continues to be a source of debate, it highlights the growing need for comprehensive immigration reform.
India’s cooperation with the US reflects the complexities of dealing with illegal immigration. The identification of 18,000 Indian nationals for repatriation signals a serious commitment to addressing this issue, but it also raises broader questions about the effectiveness of current immigration policies.
Both the US and India are grappling with the challenges posed by illegal immigration. As deportations continue and policies evolve, the future of US-India immigration relations remains uncertain.