US Deportation of 205 Indian Nationals: Arrival in Amritsar

US Deportation of 205 Indian Nationals: Arrival in Amritsar

A US military C-17 aircraft landed in Amritsar, Punjab, carrying 205 Indian nationals deported for illegal immigration. This flight reflects a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants under President Donald Trump’s administration since he took office.

This move highlights President Donald Trump’s growing reliance on the military to enforce his immigration agenda. (Representational Image: Reuters)

The deportees, primarily from Punjab and neighboring states, had entered the US through expired work permits or illegal routes.

US Deportation of 205 Indian Nationals: Arrival in Amritsar

The aircraft departed from San Antonio, Texas, and arrived at Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport on February 5, 2025.

Upon arrival, officials will verify the deportees’ documents. Authorities have not issued instructions to detain them.

Punjab’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, confirmed that the state government arranged for the returnees’ reception at the airport.

Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister, expressed disappointment over the deportation. He argued that these individuals contributed significantly to the US economy and deserved permanent residency.

Legal Implications for the Deported Individuals

Legal Framework

The Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, regulate the deportation of illegal migrants. These laws empower the Indian government to control the entry and stay of foreigners, allowing imprisonment or deportation for individuals without valid documentation.

Re-entry Restrictions

Deported individuals may face restrictions on re-entering India. Authorities could bar them from obtaining a visa or entry into India for a specified period, depending on the circumstances of their deportation.

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Criminal Charges

Depending on their immigration violations, deported individuals might face criminal charges if they engaged in unlawful activities in the US or violated Indian laws upon return. This could lead to additional legal proceedings.

Citizenship Issues

Deportation could complicate future visa or residency applications for those aspiring to citizenship in another country. If they lost Indian citizenship due to illegal status abroad, regaining it may involve legal hurdles.

Government Intervention

While the Indian Embassy cannot intervene in deportations carried out by foreign governments, deported individuals can seek assistance from Indian authorities. This support could include legal aid or help navigating potential legal repercussions in India.

Public Sentiment and Policy Impact

The return of deportees may attract public attention and scrutiny regarding India’s immigration policies and treatment of returning citizens. This could influence future policy decisions related to immigration and deportation practices.

Community Reactions

Punjab authorities, including the police and local administration, remain on high alert in anticipation of the deportees’ arrival. They set up special counters at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport to receive the individuals in a friendly manner. Punjab’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, emphasized that officials would not detain individuals unless they had outstanding criminal records.

Initially scheduled to land in the morning, the aircraft is now expected to arrive in the afternoon. (Source: PTI Photo)

Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister, expressed disappointment over the deportation. He argued that many deportees had contributed positively to the US economy and deserved permanent residency. He plans to meet with India’s external affairs minister to discuss the implications for Punjabis living abroad and discourage illegal immigration routes.

The community empathizes with the deported individuals. Many locals recognize that these individuals left India seeking better economic opportunities and faced hardships during their journeys. The community believes they should receive humane treatment upon their return.

Some community members have gathered outside police barriers near the airport, showing public interest and concern about the deportees’ situation.

While apprehension exists about these deportations’ implications, local authorities intend to manage the situation compassionately and support the returning individuals.