The United States has deported 3,258 Indian nationals since January 2025, the highest number in a single year since 2009. This information was shared by Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
The deportations primarily involve individuals who:
- Illegally entered the U.S.
- Overstayed their visas
- Lacked valid documentation
- Had criminal convictions
Of the 3,258 deportations, 2,032 individuals (approximately 62.3%) returned on regular commercial flights. The remaining 1,226 (37.6%) arrived on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operated charter flights. Since 2009, a total of 18,822 Indian nationals have been deported from the U.S.
The Indian government is working closely with U.S. authorities on deportation cases, ensuring each individual's nationality is verified before removal. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has repeatedly raised concerns with U.S. authorities regarding the treatment of deportees, particularly the use of shackles. While the U.S. has defended its policies as standard operating procedures, stating that restraints are used to ensure the safety of deportees and crew, the Indian government has emphasized that women and children should not be restrained.
In a related matter, Minister Jaishankar addressed concerns about a new U.S. policy implemented in April 2025 that requires visa applicants, particularly students, to make their social media settings public for scrutiny. He noted that this policy has led to visa cancellations for even minor offenses and has, in some cases, pressured students to self-deport.
The increase in deportations has prompted investigations into illegal immigration networks and human trafficking syndicates operating in multiple states within India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has investigated 27 human trafficking cases, resulting in 169 arrests. Punjab has reported the highest number of human trafficking cases, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team and a fact-finding committee.
