US Military Plane Lands in Amritsar with 205 Deported Indian Immigrants
In an event underscoring the tough stance of the new Trump administration on illegal immigration, a US military C-17 aircraft, carrying 205 deported Indian immigrants, touched down at Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar. This flight, which left San Antonio, Texas, at 3 am IST on February 4, was delayed from its expected morning arrival, landing instead in the afternoon.
These immigrants, predominantly from Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, were returned in handcuffs, highlighting the stringent measures under the current US policy. According to reports, they had paid significant sums to agents for illegal entry into the US, only to find themselves part of an unauthorized migration network.
Upon arrival, local and central authorities in Punjab began questioning the deportees about their journeys, the agents they used, and their activities in the US. The stories shared by these individuals reveal a mix of desperation for better opportunities and being victims of deceptive practices by smugglers.
A senior official, speaking anonymously, noted, “These people paid a hefty amount to enter the US illegally. They were victims of agents, but they also made the choice to enter illegally.” This situation underscores the complexities of illegal immigration, where individuals are both exploited and complicit in their decisions.
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Punjab’s response to this event has been multifaceted. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced that the state would assist these immigrants, setting up counters at the airport for processing. Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, voiced his disappointment over the US’s decision, advocating for permanent residency for these contributors to the American economy. He plans to raise these issues with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to seek better solutions for Punjabis in the US.
The use of military planes for deportation is part of a broader policy under President Trump, who, upon taking office, signed an executive order to involve the military in border security. Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses confirmed the support for deportations, emphasizing both the operational and symbolic significance of using military resources for such missions.
This deployment of military aircraft for deportations is seen as a clear message from the Trump administration about its commitment to tackling illegal immigration rigorously. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted this action on social media, underscoring the policy’s severity.
Why This Matters:
- Policy Impact: It signals a shift to more aggressive immigration enforcement, potentially affecting thousands of Indian nationals in the US.
- Human Element: The stories of these deportees reflect the broader narrative of migration, where the quest for opportunity meets the harsh realities of illegal pathways.
- International Relations: This could influence US-India relations, especially concerning immigration and diaspora issues.
Looking Forward:
Indian agencies anticipate more such deportations, urging citizens to pursue legal migration routes and enhancing education and skills for better opportunities abroad. As this situation develops, it will be crucial to watch how both countries navigate the challenges of immigration policy, enforcement, and human rights.
Stay tuned for more updates on this significant development in US-India immigration relations, and remember, every story behind these numbers is a human journey, fraught with dreams and despair.
