Illegal Immigrants deported to India ahead of US election

On October 22, 2024, the US hired a chartered flight that deported Indian nationals who were staying in the country illegally.

The Department of Homeland Security said this was done with the cooperation of the Indian government.

Kristie A. Canegallo, a senior official who is acting as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, made a statement on Friday, October 25, 2024.

She said: “Indian nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States are subject to a swift removal.

“Intending migrants should not fall for the lies of smugglers who proclaim otherwise.”

The statement said that the Department continues to enforce US immigration laws and shows harsh consequences for those who enter unlawfully.

“Since June 2024, when the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and accompanying Interim Final Rule went into effect, encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border have decreased by 55%.”

In the 2024 financial year, the Department of Homeland Security has deported over 160,000 people.

It also organised more than 495 repatriation flights to over 145 countries.

The government regularly liaises with foreign governments to organise deportations for people who remain in the US without a legal standing.

This is one of many strategies of the US to reduce irregular migration and promote safe and regulated pathways to the country.

Through these methods, the Department of Homeland Security aims to hold people more accountable for the smuggling and exploitation of vulnerable people.

Customs and Border Patrol said that over 90,415 Indians have attempted to enter the US without valid paperwork between October 2023 and September 2024.

As part of the Indian-US cooperation on migration and mobility, both sides are engaged in the process of deterring illegal migration.

Sources stated: “This is being done to create more avenues for legal migration from India to the US.

“The latest deportation of Indian nationals by a chartered flight is a result of this cooperation.

“Such deportations have been happening for several years.”

“This week’s flight demonstrates the Department’s continued commitment to pursuing sustained cooperation with the Indian government and other international partners to reduce and deter irregular migration and jointly work to counter human smuggling.”

Many on social media are not happy with this increased deportation.

One X user said: “Deportations are happening every day under the Biden administration.

“Over 127,000 so far – this is immoral.”

An Indian user said: “This brings huge embarrassment and shame to our country.”

As the US election – which will take place on November 5, 2024 – creeps closer, it will be interesting to see how this affects votes.