Record Deportations from US: 1,500 Indians Among Thousands Removed in FY24
New Delhi, December 21, 2024:
The United States saw a record number of deportations in the fiscal year 2024, with 271,000 individuals removed, the highest figure in a decade. This includes an estimated 1,500 Indian nationals, marking a sharp rise in enforcement under President Joe Biden's administration according to various media reports.
News agency Reuters and NDTV India reported that the surge in deportations has outpaced any year during former President Donald Trump’s tenure, known for its strict immigration policies. Reports indicate that nearly 18,000 undocumented Indians are currently on the deportation list in the U.S., with many facing removal orders.
The media reports said that the Biden administration's approach has combined enhanced border security with expedited removal processes. The dramatic increase in deportations reflects the administration's response to mounting challenges posed by illegal immigration, particularly at the southern U.S. border.
For Indian nationals, many of whom are drawn to the U.S. in pursuit of better opportunities, the spike in deportations has raised concerns about the stability of their immigration status. A significant number of deportees are believed to have overstayed their visas or entered the country through unauthorized means.
In India, families of deportees have expressed distress over the situation, with calls for greater government intervention to support Indian nationals facing immigration challenges abroad.
The deportation trend highlights the evolving dynamics of U.S. immigration policy and its impact on the Indian diaspora, which remains one of the largest immigrant communities in the United States.
Indian authorities and advocacy groups are urging migrants to ensure compliance with U.S. visa and residency laws to avoid potential legal consequences.
Further updates are expected as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security releases more detailed data on deportations, including a breakdown by nationality