India to bring back 18,000 immigrants as Trump threatens mass deportation

In a bid to strengthen ties with the United States, the Indian government has decided to repatriate 18,000 illegal Indian migrants as President Donald Trump intensified crackdown against millions of non-citizens lacking legal permission to stay in the country.

According to Bloomberg News, India’s move is part of its strategy to avoid a potential trade war with the Trump administration while improving bilateral relations.

Both governments have identified 18,000 Indian nationals residing in the US illegally. However, it is important to note that the actual number of undocumented Indian immigrants in the US may be higher.

The Modi administration’s decision appears to be aimed at fostering goodwill with the US government, particularly to secure more opportunities for Indian professionals in the US IT sector.

India hopes that by cooperating on immigration issues, the Trump administration will facilitate the entry of Indian workers through legal channels such as H-1B visas or student visas.

Indian professionals already make up a substantial portion of the US IT workforce, with many employed under H-1B visas.

By addressing illegal immigration, New Delhi seeks to boost its strategic and economic ties with Washington while advocating for smoother pathways for skilled Indian workers.

Meanwhile, a report by the Associated Press highlights that many immigrants have already begun leaving the US amid fears of being deported. 

Trump’s administration has authorised federal agencies to take strict action against individuals without proper documentation to legitimise their stay in the country.

On his  first day as president, Donald Trump  signed multiple executive orders targeting immigration and border security.

One of these measures concerns the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. Trump, during his presidential campaign, had repeatedly pledged to deport millions of illegal migrants.

Officials from the Trump administration confirmed that immigration officers will now have the "necessary authority" to enforce existing laws.

Unlike the deportation policy under Joe Biden’s administration, which focused on individuals with criminal records or those deemed threats to national security, Trump’s approach extends to all undocumented immigrants.