Centre confirms deportation of 487 more illegal Indian migrants from US soon
PTC Web Desk: The Indian government has confirmed that the US authorities have identified 487 presumed Indian nationals with final removal orders. This announcement follows the recent deportation of 104 Indian migrants, who were sent back to India in shackles aboard a US C-17 military aircraft.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, "We've been informed that 487 presumed Indian citizens have final removal orders."
On Wednesday, a US military aircraft carrying the deportees landed in Amritsar, marking the first large-scale deportation of Indians under the current US administration. The migrants, who had entered the United States illegally, were reportedly restrained throughout the flight and freed only upon reaching India.
Regarding the use of a military aircraft for the deportation, Misri noted, "This particular operation differs from previous deportations and was classified as a national security matter within the US system."
The large-scale deportation has sparked a political storm in India, with the Opposition questioning why the Centre did not negotiate their return under more favourable conditions. The government defended its position, citing international legal obligations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha, asserting that nations are bound to take back their citizens if they are found residing illegally in foreign countries. He clarified that the deportation was conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following procedures established in 2012.
"ICE follows a standard protocol that includes the use of restraints, though we have been assured that women and children were not restrained," Jaishankar explained. He also emphasized that the Indian government is engaging with US authorities to ensure humane treatment of deportees.
"It is in our collective interest to promote legal migration and deter illegal entry," he added.
Government plans new law on migration
In response to the growing issue of irregular migration, the Centre is considering introducing a new law titled the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024. The Bill, currently under review, aims to establish a structured framework for safe and legal migration. It was recently proposed in a report presented in Lok Sabha by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
The United States defended its decision to deport the Indian migrants using a military aircraft, citing national security concerns.
A spokesperson from the US Embassy in India said, "Enforcing our immigration laws is crucial for the national security and public safety of the United States."
While the specifics of the operation were not disclosed, the US Embassy reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration regulations against inadmissible and removable individuals.
- PTC NEWS
