Deportation Looms: Over 20,000 Undocumented Indians Face Uncertain Future in the US

New Delhi, India: As the United States intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigration, more than 20,000 undocumented Indian nationals face potential deportation, raising concerns both within Indian diaspora communities and diplomatic corridors in New Delhi.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reports that, as of November 2024, 20,407 undocumented Indians are caught in the deportation process, making them the fourth largest group in ICE custody globally and the largest among Asians. Among them, 17,940 individuals have “final removal orders” but remain outside detention centers, while 2,467 are in detention under ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

A removal order, once affirmed by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), becomes administratively final. However, ICE frequently encounters challenges in executing these orders, especially with nations classified as “uncooperative,” a list that includes India. Allegations of delays, consular interview refusals, and resistance to accepting deportees have contributed to this classification.

Despite discrepancies in deportation data, ICE’s 2024 Annual Report reveals a sharp rise in deportations of Indians—from 292 in 2021 to 1,529 in 2024. A Department of Homeland Security official disclosed that approximately 1,100 Indian nationals were repatriated via charter and commercial flights between October 2023 and September 2024.

The rising deportation statistics, coupled with India’s apparent reluctance to expedite return processes, underscore the complex dynamics at play. Meanwhile, affected individuals hope for relief through mechanisms like the Convention Against Torture or appeals citing persecution risks in India.

This growing plight of undocumented Indians highlights the need for clearer protocols and robust bilateral dialogue to address deportation challenges while ensuring humane treatment.