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| President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies |
The U.S. has deported the first batch of 104 Indian immigrants under former President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies. The deportees, primarily from Punjab and neighboring states, arrived in Amritsar on a military transport aircraft. This move highlights the administration's firm stance on illegal immigration and comes just before a scheduled meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, where immigration policies are expected to be discussed. India has stated its commitment to verifying and accepting deported citizens, signaling a complex yet cooperative diplomatic engagement on the issue.
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| Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Hits India: 104 People Deported, More To Follow? |
Background of the Deportation
The deportees, primarily hailing from Punjab and neighboring states, were transported aboard a C-17 military aircraft. Punjab's NRI affairs minister, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, has confirmed special arrangements at Amritsar airport to assist the returnees. He stated that individuals from Gujarat will be sent to their state by air after verification, while those from Haryana and Punjab will disembark in Amritsar.
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| Immigration policies are expected to be discussed |
Timing and Diplomatic Context
This action comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled meeting with President Trump in Washington on February 13, where immigration is expected to be a key topic. In a recent phone call, President Trump expressed confidence that India would "do the right thing" regarding illegal immigration.
Use of Military Aircraft for Deportations
The use of military aircraft for deportations is notable and aligns with the administration's aggressive stance on illegal immigration. Recently, the U.S. has initiated flights transporting detained migrants to Guantanamo Bay, marking a significant policy shift.
India's Stance on Repatriation
India has maintained that it is ready to accept illegal immigrants from the U.S. after proper verification. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed this position during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing that illegal immigration is neither desirable nor beneficial for India's reputation.
Implications for U.S.-India Relations
This development highlights the evolving dynamics of U.S.-India relations, especially concerning immigration policies, and sets the stage for upcoming diplomatic discussions between the two nations.
Conclusion
The deportation of 104 Indian immigrants from the U.S. to India via military aircraft marks a significant event in the context of international immigration policies and U.S.-India relations. As both nations prepare for high-level discussions, the handling of illegal immigration remains a critical and sensitive issue that will require careful navigation to maintain and strengthen bilateral ties.
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