Illegal Emigration

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India must address the growing issue of illegal emigration to the U.S. with empathy and urgency while ensuring stricter controls and addressing root causes.

The deportation of illegal immigrants from the U.S., including many Indians, has been increasing, with about 160,000 individuals deported between June and October 2024. This trend coincides with the U.S. government's intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration, particularly under President Trump's administration. India, which is home to a large number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., is expected to face an increase in returning migrants, many of whom were deported using military flights. This issue could strain bilateral relations with the U.S. and be a flashpoint in the upcoming India-U.S. discussions.

The Indian government must take responsibility for its citizens, ensuring stricter controls to prevent illegal migration. Particularly in states with high deportation rates like Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana, educational campaigns should be launched to inform youth about the risks of illegal emigration. The government must also tackle underlying issues such as economic distress, agricultural crises, and unemployment, which push people to risk illegal migration. While changing U.S. immigration policies may be difficult, India needs to address the root causes of this migration with a compassionate and urgent approach. ​