India to Repatriate 18,000 Illegal Migrants from the US in Bid to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
India to Repatriate 18,000 Illegal Migrants from the US in Bid to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
In a move aimed at fostering stronger diplomatic ties with the United States, the Indian government is preparing to repatriate an estimated 18,000 of its citizens residing illegally in the US. This initiative marks a significant step toward fulfilling a longstanding goal of the Trump administration, which has made cracking down on illegal immigration a key policy priority. India’s cooperation comes at a time when it is seeking to avoid trade tensions with the US and ensure continued access for its citizens to vital legal immigration channels.
India’s Commitment to Cooperation on Illegal Immigration
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the Indian government has worked closely with the US administration to identify and facilitate the return of illegal Indian migrants. While the exact number of unauthorized Indian immigrants in the US is not entirely clear, estimates suggest that approximately 220,000 Indian nationals were living in the US without legal authorization as of 2022, according to a report from the Department of Homeland Security.
This move comes amid a rising number of illegal crossings at the US northern border, where Indian nationals now account for a significant share of unauthorized migrants. In fiscal 2024, Indians made up nearly 25% of all illegal border crossings in this less trafficked region, which has prompted the US to intensify its enforcement efforts.
India’s approach aligns with the Trump administration’s broader immigration policy, which focuses on deporting illegal migrants and securing the US-Mexico border. India’s cooperation is viewed as a sign of goodwill toward the incoming US administration, which has frequently criticized other countries for not doing enough to curb illegal migration.
The Repatriation Process: What’s at Stake?
The government of India has already demonstrated its willingness to work with the US on border enforcement. In October 2024, over 100 Indian nationals were repatriated via a chartered flight as part of the ongoing efforts to address unauthorized migration. This marks the latest action in a series of deportations that have seen more than 1,100 Indian nationals sent back in the past year alone.
In addition to addressing the issue of illegal migration, India hopes that this cooperation will help secure legal migration pathways for its citizens, particularly the H-1B visa program for skilled workers and student visas. Indians accounted for nearly three-fourths of all H-1B visas issued in 2023, a program that is vital for the country’s tech industry and its global workforce mobility.
Trade Concerns and the Political Context
As India prepares to comply with US immigration demands, the country also has significant trade concerns that could be impacted by the Trump administration’s policies. President Trump has repeatedly criticized India’s high import tariffs and has warned of reciprocal duties on American goods. India, in turn, is eager to avoid a costly trade war, especially given the economic challenges posed by the global pandemic and the country’s domestic job market difficulties.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen as having cordial relations with Trump, India’s diplomatic calculus is delicate. The country must balance its trade interests with the need to comply with US immigration policies. Taking action on illegal immigration is seen as a means to appease the Trump administration, thereby preventing further economic strain caused by potential trade retaliations.
Rising Numbers of Indian Migrants in the US
The number of illegal Indian migrants in the US has been steadily rising, a trend that is particularly noticeable at the northern border. While Mexican and Central American countries have traditionally contributed the highest number of illegal migrants, Indians have increasingly sought to cross the border through Canada, often taking advantage of the relative ease of travel to North America.
The rise in unauthorized migration from India could be linked to several factors, including visa restrictions and tighter immigration policies in other countries. The halt to visa-free travel for Indians to El Salvador in 2023, as well as India’s growing diaspora, has contributed to a shift in migration patterns, pushing many to attempt illegal crossings into the US.
India’s Broader Migration Strategy
This effort is not an isolated case. India has signed several migration agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Japan, and Israel in recent years to regulate the flow of labor and manage the migration of its citizens abroad. By cooperating with the US on illegal immigration, India hopes to ensure that future migration is done legally, preserving opportunities for skilled Indian workers and students to enter the US legally.
India’s move to repatriate illegal migrants also has domestic political implications. Some experts suggest that addressing illegal migration from the US could help the Modi government curb secessionist movements abroad, such as the Khalistan movement, which has gained some traction among the Indian diaspora, especially in the US and Canada. By cracking down on illegal migrants, India aims to prevent foreign-based groups from advocating for separatist agendas on Indian soil.
The Way Forward: Legal Migration and Trade Cooperation
Looking ahead, India hopes that its compliance with US immigration policies will open doors for enhanced cooperation on trade and legal migration. The success of this initiative will depend on how both governments manage their broader bilateral relationship, balancing immigration control with trade and business ties.
The cooperation on repatriating illegal Indian migrants is likely to set the tone for future engagements between the two countries, particularly under the Trump administration. India’s willingness to act on this issue may also influence negotiations on other critical areas, such as the H-1B visa program and trade agreements.