A US military C-17 aircraft carrying 104 Indian deportees landed at Amritsar’s Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport. The deportees were sent back after being found residing illegally in the US. Among them, 30 were from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh.
This is the first time the US has used a military aircraft for such a large-scale deportation to India. The move comes as part of strict immigration policies aimed at tackling illegal migration.
Government Takes Charge of Repatriation
Upon arrival, Indian authorities conducted initial questioning, medical examinations, and document verification. No family members were present at the airport to receive them. State governments quickly arranged special buses to transport the deportees to their respective states. Police personnel were deployed in these buses for security.
For those from Maharashtra and Gujarat, travel arrangements were made via commercial flights. This ensured a smooth transition for all deportees as they returned home.
Rising Illegal Migration from India
Illegal migration from India, especially Punjab, has been a growing concern. Many individuals pay large sums to smugglers to enter the US through unauthorized routes, often facing extreme risks along the way. Known as “donkey routes,” these dangerous pathways have led to numerous cases of arrests and deportations.
This deportation highlights the increasing challenges faced by Indian migrants seeking a better future abroad through illegal means.
India’s Stance on Illegal Immigration
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Indian nationals returning from abroad without proper documentation. The government has also emphasized the need to curb illegal migration, as it is often linked to organized crime and human trafficking.
Officials reiterated that while India supports legal migration, it does not endorse unauthorized travel, which can lead to severe consequences, including deportation and legal action.
