New Delhi, Oct 30: More than 2,790 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States this year for illegally residing in the country, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday. The deportations took place after Indian authorities verified the individuals’ credentials and nationality.
“Since January this year, we have had over 2,790 Indian nationals who were found to be staying illegally in the United States. Their credentials and nationality were thoroughly verified, and they have now returned. This is the status as of yesterday,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.
Jaiswal also noted that around 100 Indian nationals were deported from the United Kingdom this year, following similar verification procedures. He reiterated India’s firm position against illegal migration while emphasizing the country’s commitment to promoting safe and legal avenues for migration.
“In the last several months, since January 2025, we’ve had 2,417 Indian nationals deported or repatriated from the United States. We want to promote legal pathways of migration. At the same time, India stands against illegal migration,” Jaiswal had said earlier.
Among the recent deportees was 73-year-old Harjit Kaur, a Sikh woman from Punjab, who was sent back to India in September after being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities in California during a routine check-in.
Explaining the process, Jaiswal stated, “Whenever an individual without legal status abroad is referred to us with valid documentation claiming Indian nationality, we conduct background checks, confirm their identity, and take them back accordingly. This has been the ongoing process with deportations from the United States.”
The government continues to urge Indian citizens to use only legitimate means for overseas migration.
