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India Ready to Repatriate Illegal Immigrants, Says PM Modi
During a recent press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of Indian citizens residing illegally in the United States. He emphasized India’s commitment to taking back its nationals who are living abroad without proper authorization.
India’s Stance on Illegal Immigration
Prime Minister Modi stated that India is “fully prepared to take back any Indian citizens living in the U.S. without legal status.” He underscored that individuals entering another country without legal permission have no right to remain there and reiterated India’s readiness to repatriate verified Indian nationals residing illegally in the U.S.
Recent Deportations and Future Plans
This statement follows a recent event where a U.S. military plane transported 104 deported Indian migrants back to India as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Despite this action, a significant number of Indian nationals continue to live in the U.S. without legal status. According to a Pew Research Center study, approximately 725,000 Indians were residing in the U.S. illegally as of 2022, making India the third-largest source of unauthorized immigrants in the country, after Mexico and El Salvador.
The Indian government has acknowledged the presence of its citizens living abroad illegally and has expressed a willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities to facilitate their return. This cooperation includes verifying the identities of these individuals and issuing necessary travel documents to ensure their smooth repatriation.
Addressing the Root Causes
In addition to facilitating the return of illegal immigrants, the Indian government is also focusing on addressing the root causes that lead to illegal migration. Efforts are being made to create more employment opportunities within the country, improve economic conditions, and raise awareness about the legal avenues available for those seeking to work or study abroad.
Prime Minister Modi’s recent discussions with President Trump also touched upon broader immigration issues, including the importance of legal migration and the need to prevent human trafficking. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of enforcing immigration laws while ensuring that genuine asylum seekers and refugees are treated with compassion and respect.
In conclusion, India’s commitment to repatriating its citizens residing illegally abroad reflects its dedication to upholding international laws and norms. The government’s proactive approach aims to strengthen bilateral relations with countries like the United States while ensuring the welfare and dignity of its citizens.
