A significant event unfolded at Punjab’s Amritsar airport on Saturday when a C-17 Globemaster aircraft from the US Air Force brought in 119 Indian deportees. This arrival marked the second such repatriation in ten days, the latest in the Trump administration’s stringent efforts to deport illegal immigrants.
Historical Context of Deportations
The first wave of deportations took place ten days prior, on February 5, when a US military plane transported 104 Indians home to Amritsar. More deportees are expected the following day, with a third aircraft anticipated to land in India with 157 people.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The recent arrival saw 67 deportees from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Families of some deportees attended the airport to welcome them home.
Previous Deportations: A Recap
Earlier deportees included individuals from Haryana (33), Gujarat (33), Punjab (30), Maharashtra (3), Uttar Pradesh (3), and Chandigarh (2). These deportees were also transported on a military aircraft departing from San Antonio, Texas.
The Human Cost
The deportees were confined and restrained throughout their journey, only being released upon landing in India. This treatment sparked significant controversy in India, prompting heated debates in both houses of Parliament during the ongoing budget session.
Government Response
In response to the criticism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is actively engaging with the US to prevent mistreatment of deportees. He further emphasized that the US has been carrying out such deportations for years.
PM Modi’s Statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India is fully prepared to repatriate any of its citizens living illegally in the US. He highlighted the importance of addressing human trafficking, asserting India’s commitment to wiping out this illegal ecosystem.
The US Embassy’s Defense
The US Embassy in India justified the deportations, stating that enforcing immigration laws is essential for the national security and public safety of the United States. It declared the US’ policy to strictly execute immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens.
India’s Standing Among Undocumented Migration
India is the third-largest source of undocumented immigrants in the US, following Mexico and El Salvador, underscoring the complexity of the issue.
Punjab Chief Minister’s Stance
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the Central government for using Amritsar as a deportation hub. He vowed to facilitate the transport of those returning from the second batch to their hometowns. Mann also addressed the concerns about Amritsar becoming a “deport center” and called for an alternative location.
The Fate of the Deportees
Most of the deportees from Punjab expressed their desire to find a better life in the US for their families. Their futures are now uncertain after being apprehended at the US border and returned to India.
As the issue continues to unfold, both India and the US are navigating through diplomatic challenges to ensure humane and just procedures for deportations while addressing the underlying issues of migration and human trafficking.
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