In a significant development, India has reiterated its firm commitment to supporting legal immigration processes while facilitating the return of Indian nationals who may be residing abroad without proper documentation. This statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) comes amidst a major crackdown on illegal immigration in the United States, following President Donald Trump’s return to office for a second term.
During a press briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s strong stance against illegal immigration, underscoring the importance of verifying nationality before taking any further steps. “India has always been clear: we oppose illegal immigration, as it is often linked to various forms of organized crime. If any Indian nationals are found residing in foreign countries, such as the United States, without legal documentation, we will facilitate their return, provided we can verify their nationality,” Jaiswal said.
This move reflects India’s commitment to upholding the integrity of both its own immigration system and international cooperation on immigration issues. As part of the process, Indian authorities are working closely with foreign governments, including the US, to ensure that only verified Indian nationals are repatriated, promoting transparency and accountability.
The announcement comes at a time when US authorities have been ramping up efforts to deport illegal immigrants, including criminal offenders. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that the Trump Administration had arrested 538 individuals and deported hundreds more as part of a large-scale operation, touted as “the largest mass deportation operation in history.” This is in line with President Trump’s long-standing promise to address illegal immigration and reform US entry policies through executive orders.
“We are working in a constructive manner with the US on this issue,” Jaiswal continued, emphasizing the strength of the India-US relationship, particularly in the realms of trade and diplomatic cooperation. “Our bilateral ties are very strong and multifaceted. We have established mechanisms with the US to address such matters in a way that benefits both nations.”
In addition to addressing concerns related to immigration, Jaiswal also touched upon the India-Bangladesh border, reiterating the importance of implementing existing agreements to secure the border and prevent cross-border crimes. “Fencing the border is crucial to maintain security, and we are committed to ensuring that the agreements made with Bangladesh are carried out effectively,” he said.
The US immigration system, despite its challenges, continues to evolve with a strong focus on national security, legal entry, and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The current measures in place, including deportation operations, reflect a broader commitment to upholding the rule of law while addressing illegal immigration.
From India’s perspective, the support for verified repatriation ensures that only individuals with legitimate claims are returned, while emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation. This approach promotes not only lawful immigration but also strengthens the ties between two of the world’s largest democracies.
In my opinion, the way forward is a more humane and efficient global immigration system, one where all countries collaborate to ensure that immigration laws are followed while also protecting the rights of individuals. Both the US and India have shown a commitment to maintaining strong immigration systems—ones that uphold the integrity of their borders and ensure that individuals who wish to immigrate do so legally. This is a positive step in fostering international cooperation and making the global immigration process more transparent and fair for everyone.
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