Over 100 Indian Nationals Deported by US: A Grim Reality
In a striking development, over 100 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States on a military aircraft, highlighting the ongoing immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump’s administration. This operation, confirmed by officials from India’s Punjab state, underscores the intensified focus on immigration control.
The Deportation Journey
The C-17 military aircraft, carrying individuals primarily from India’s Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab regions, landed in Amritsar on Wednesday. This marks one of the longest deportation missions since the Trump administration began using military resources for repatriation.
Family members of the deportees shared their stories with CNN, revealing the challenges faced by their loved ones. Manriasat Singh, whose cousin Akashdeep Singh was deported, expressed the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on the family. Akashdeep’s journey to the US began seven months ago, costing his family nearly $60,000, a sum raised by selling a large portion of their land.
The Pursuit of a Better Life
Akashdeep’s experience is not isolated. The number of Indian nationals entering the US without authorization has surged dramatically, from 8,027 in the fiscal year 2018-19 to 96,917 in 2022-23, according to government data. Many of these undocumented migrants are young Indians seeking better employment opportunities, often risking dangerous journeys through Latin America.
Kuljinder Kaur, whose husband Harwinder Singh was deported on the same flight, recounted the struggles faced by her husband, a farmer who hoped for better prospects in the US. After a perilous 10-month journey, Singh was apprehended immediately after crossing the US border.
Economic Pressures and Government Response
Lakbhir Singh, a former village leader from Punjab, described the economic desperation driving youth to seek opportunities abroad. He emphasized the need for government intervention to address unemployment and prevent such costly and devastating journeys.
Punjab State Minister of Non-resident Indian Affairs, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, called on the Indian government to engage with US authorities to resolve these issues. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a dialogue with President Trump to address the root causes of this migration crisis.
Conclusion
This incident sheds light on the broader implications of immigration policies and the socio-economic factors driving migration. As the Indian government expresses its willingness to receive deported citizens, local leaders stress the need for comprehensive measures to tackle the underlying causes of this exodus. For further insights on related topics, visit US Seizes Another Plane from Venezuela’s Maduro and China Strategically Responds to US Tariff Threats.
This article is based on information from CNN. For more details, visit www.cnn.com.
