The Indian government is reportedly working closely with U.S. authorities to identify and deport undocumented Indian immigrants, a move aimed at strengthening ties with the Trump administration while safeguarding legal migration opportunities.
18,000 Identified for Deportation
According to Bloomberg, India has identified 18,000 undocumented Indian immigrants in the U.S. for repatriation, though estimates suggest the actual number is far higher—possibly reaching 725,000, making them the third-largest undocumented group in the U.S. after Mexicans and Salvadorans.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed India’s cooperation with the U.S. on illegal migration, stating, “This is being done to create more avenues for legal migration from India to the U.S.” He pointed to a deportation flight in October that repatriated over 100 undocumented Indians and noted that more than 1,000 had been returned in the past year.
Strategic Move to Protect H-1B Visas
A key motive behind India’s cooperation is preserving the H-1B visa program, which is crucial for Indian professionals in tech and engineering. In 2023, Indians accounted for nearly 75% of H-1B visas issued. The program has faced scrutiny from some U.S. politicians, though Trump recently shifted his stance, calling it a “great program.”
Billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump ally, has also voiced support for the H-1B visa system, further underscoring its importance in the ongoing U.S.-India dialogue.
India’s Balancing Act with Trump
The move to cooperate on deportations is seen as an effort by the Modi government to avoid mass expulsions that could cause diplomatic tensions. Trump has pledged large-scale deportations, and India’s proactive approach may be a strategy to prevent a scenario where tens of thousands of Indians are forcibly sent home.
India’s outreach to Trump aligns with its broader geopolitical strategy. While the Biden administration has sought closer ties with India as a counterweight to China, Modi’s government appears intent on ensuring continued goodwill with Trump’s team as well.
Speaking late last year, India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized India’s confidence in its U.S. relations: “I know today a lot of countries are nervous about the U.S., let’s be honest about it. We are not one of them.”
As Trump’s second term nears, India’s immigration policy appears to be a calculated move to safeguard economic and diplomatic interests while maintaining a crucial pipeline for skilled Indian workers to the U.S.
