External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while addressing the Rajya Sabha, confirmed India's commitment to repatriating its illegal nationals, following the deportation of 104 Indians from the United States. He stated that India has an "obligation to take back illegal nationals" and assured Parliament that the government is closely monitoring the issue of illegal immigration.
The deported individuals, who reportedly attempted to enter the U.S. through unauthorized routes, were sent back on a special flight arranged by American authorities. This move comes amid increasing scrutiny by U.S. immigration agencies on illegal border crossings, particularly through Mexico.
Jaishankar highlighted that while India actively engages with the U.S. on immigration matters, those who violate foreign immigration laws must be prepared to face legal consequences. He added that Indian embassies worldwide provide necessary legal aid to citizens in distress but cannot override local immigration laws.
Key Points from Jaishankar’s Statement:
- India has a legal and moral duty to repatriate its citizens who enter other countries illegally.
- The 104 deported Indians were part of a larger group of migrants attempting to cross into the U.S. through unauthorized routes.
- India maintains diplomatic engagement with the U.S. on immigration issues while respecting international laws.
- The government is working on measures to prevent illegal migration by raising awareness and strengthening legal migration channels.
This latest deportation highlights the increasing challenges of illegal immigration and the necessity for strict enforcement of immigration laws. The Indian government has urged its citizens to opt for legal migration routes to avoid such consequences.
