First Flight Carrying Illegal Immigrants from the US Lands in India

A flight carrying illegal immigrants from the US has landed in India, but contrary to earlier reports of 205 passengers, only 104 individuals were on board, according to officials. The aircraft, which departed from Texas, also carried an official from the US Embassy.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed that the flight landed in Amritsar, carrying 79 men, 25 women, and 13 children. Most of them were reportedly apprehended at the US-Mexico border. India does not consider them criminals but will verify their identities before repatriating them to their respective homes.

The Trump administration had initiated a program to deport undocumented immigrants residing beyond their visa limits or without valid documents. As part of this effort, the US deployed a C-17 military aircraft to return the first batch of Indian illegal immigrants. Reports indicate that around 30 of them are from Punjab.

According to Pew Research Center estimates, approximately 2 million Indian illegal immigrants reside in the US, making them the third-largest group after Mexico and El Salvador. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reportedly prepared a list of around 18,000 Indians slated for deportation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the US soon, and the issue of deportations may be discussed with Trump. India has previously welcomed the US decision, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar affirming that India is ready to take back its citizens regardless of where they are.

However, Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has expressed dissatisfaction with the move, arguing that deporting individuals who contribute to the US economy rather than granting them citizenship is unfair. He plans to discuss the matter with Jaishankar.