Synopsis
A US military aircraft carrying 205 illegal immigrants, primarily from Punjab, is arriving in Amritsar today. This deportation coincides with PM Modi's upcoming visit to Washington. The Indian government is ready to facilitate the return of these nationals.Key Takeaways
- 205 illegal immigrants to arrive in Amritsar.
- The plane departed from San Antonio, Texas.
- This deportation aligns with PM Modi’s Washington visit.
- India is open to the legitimate return of its nationals.
- Approximately 725,000 illegal immigrants from India live in the US.
Amritsar, Feb 5 (NationPress) A US military plane is set to arrive in Punjab’s Amritsar on Wednesday afternoon, carrying approximately 205 illegal immigrants, predominantly from Punjab, who entered the US unlawfully. The deportees were transported on a C-17 aircraft that departed from San Antonio, Texas.
This marks the inaugural phase of deportations coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Washington next week.
This will be PM Modi’s first trip following Donald Trump’s re-election as US President.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar previously stated that New Delhi is receptive to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals residing illegally abroad, including in the US.
India has shown willingness to accept these migrants after necessary verification, a message that EAM Jaishankar relayed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month.
“For the first time in history, we are locating and loading illegal aliens into military aircraft and flying them back to the places from which they came,” President Trump informed reporters last month.
Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal expressed dissatisfaction over the US’s decision to deport these Indians, arguing that they have significantly contributed to the US economy and deserve a chance at permanent residency instead of deportation.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav revealed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated, “We will receive our immigrants and establish counters for them at the airport.”
“We are coordinating with the Centre. As soon as we receive more information, we will relay it,” he informed the media on Tuesday.
According to data from the Pew Research Centre, around 725,000 illegal immigrants from India reside in the US, ranking it as the third-largest group of unauthorized immigrants after Mexico and El Salvador.
Many of the Punjab residents facing deportation had entered the US through the “donkey route” or other illicit methods, investing substantial amounts of money.
The US administration has intensified its efforts against illegal immigration since Trump’s presidency.
