The US deported 104 Indian migrants, stressing the importance of enforcing immigration laws for national security. The deportees, including women and children, were subjected to restraints during their flight. Indian officials highlighted that deportations are routine, while critics called for more dignified repatriation efforts. The government is contemplating new legislation to address migration issues more effectively.
The United States recently defended its decision to deport 104 Indian migrants who attempted to enter the US illegally. These individuals were transported on a C-17 military aircraft to Amritsar, where they were initially restrained during the flight but released upon arrival in India. The US Embassy emphasized that enforcing immigration laws is crucial for national security and public safety.
The deportees came from several Indian states, including 33 from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, and others from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh. Among those deported were 19 women and 13 minors, consisting of a four-year-old boy and two girls aged five and seven. A spokesman for the embassy underlined the importance of executing immigration laws rigorously against inadmissible and removable aliens.
During a parliamentary session, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to the controversy surrounding the deportations. He highlighted that the deportation process from the US is not a new phenomenon and has occurred regularly for years, with hundreds of Indians expelled annually. Jaishankar stated that it is crucial for countries to facilitate the return of their nationals living illegally abroad.
Critics in the Parliament, such as Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale, raised objections, comparing India’s handling of deportations to that of countries with less economic power. They argued that as a leading economy, India should be capable of repatriating its citizens with dignity, questioning the government’s choice not to arrange special flights for repatriation as it had in the past.
In response to the criticism, the Indian government is considering new legislation titled the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024. This bill aims to create a framework for promoting safe and orderly migration and could influence future deportation procedures and immigration regulations, reflecting a shift in policy approach towards immigration.
The recent deportation of Indian migrants by the United States has sparked discussion about immigration enforcement and the responsibilities of nations towards their citizens abroad. Legal frameworks governing immigration often influence how countries handle cases of illegal entry and residency. Understanding the complexities of immigration laws helps frame the ongoing debate surrounding these deportations and the potential legislative responses proposed by the Indian government.
The deportation of Indian migrants by the US has raised questions about immigration policy and bilateral responsibilities. While the US emphasizes the need to enforce immigration laws for national security, Indian lawmakers are pushing for dignified repatriation processes. The potential introduction of the Overseas Mobility Bill highlights India’s intent to reform its approach to migration and reinforce its commitment to legal mobility.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
