India Collaborates with U.S. to Repatriate 18,000 Undocumented Citizens

 India Collaborates with U.S. to Repatriate 18,000 Undocumented Citizens

In a strategic move to fortify diplomatic ties and safeguard legal immigration avenues, the Indian government is proactively working with the United States to repatriate approximately 18,000 of its citizens residing illegally in the U.S. 

A Calculated Diplomatic Endeavor

This initiative underscores India's commitment to addressing illegal immigration, aiming to strengthen its relationship with the U.S. and ensure the continuity of legal pathways for its nationals. By facilitating the return of undocumented individuals, India seeks to demonstrate its dedication to upholding international immigration laws and fostering mutual cooperation.

Protecting Legal Immigration Channels

Central to this effort is the preservation of legal immigration routes, notably the H-1B visa program, which is vital for Indian professionals in sectors like technology and engineering. In 2023, Indian nationals constituted nearly 75% of the 386,000 H-1B visas granted, highlighting the program's significance for India's skilled workforce. 

Addressing the Growing Concern

While Indian citizens represent a smaller fraction of illegal migrants in the U.S. compared to Latin American countries, their numbers have been on a gradual rise. Notably, at the U.S.-Canada border, Indians accounted for almost a quarter of all illegal crossings, marking them as the predominant group at that entry point. 

Recent Repatriation Efforts

Demonstrating tangible progress, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted a significant repatriation operation on October 22, 2024, returning over 100 Indian nationals who lacked legal standing to remain in the U.S. This operation was part of a broader initiative, with the DHS repatriating more than 1,100 Indian nationals during the fiscal year 2024. 

Implications for U.S.-India Relations

This collaborative repatriation strategy is anticipated to bolster U.S.-India relations, showcasing India's proactive stance on illegal immigration. By aligning with U.S. immigration policies, India aims to mitigate potential trade tensions and reinforce its position as a cooperative global partner.

India's concerted efforts to repatriate its undocumented citizens from the U.S. reflect a nuanced approach to diplomacy, immigration policy, and international relations. By addressing illegal immigration head-on, India not only strengthens its bilateral ties with the U.S. but also ensures the preservation of essential legal immigration channels for its citizens.