Centre Confirms 487 Indians on US ‘Final Removal’ List Amid Deportation Row

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Feb. The Centre on Wednesday confirmed that US authorities have identified 487 presumed Indian citizens with “final removal orders.” The announcement comes amid political controversy over the recent deportation of 104 Indian migrants, who were sent back to India in shackles aboard a US military aircraft.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing, stated, “We’ve been told there are 487 presumed Indian citizens with final removal orders.”

US Military Aircraft Used for Deportation
On Tuesday, a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III landed in Amritsar, carrying 104 deported Indian migrants. This marks the first large-scale deportation of Indians under President Donald Trump’s administration. The migrants, who had attempted to enter the US through illegal channels, were reportedly restrained throughout the nearly 24-hour flight and freed only upon arrival in India.

Defending the use of a military aircraft, Foreign Secretary Misri explained, “This particular deportation is somewhat different compared to earlier flights. In the US system itself, it was described as a national security operation.”

The deportation has triggered a political storm, with the Opposition questioning the government’s inaction and demanding an explanation for why Indians were sent back in a manner typically reserved for criminals. Critics argue that the Centre should have arranged for their return on its terms, citing past evacuations of Indian citizens from conflict zones.

Government’s Stand on Deportation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the Rajya Sabha, defended the government’s stance, asserting that deportation of illegal migrants is a longstanding process. “Every country has an obligation to take back its nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad,” he said.

Jaishankar emphasized that the deportations were carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following procedures in place since 2012. He added that while ICE’s standard protocol includes the use of restraints, “we have been informed that women and children were not restrained.”

The minister assured Parliament that the government is engaging with US authorities to ensure deportees are not mistreated. He further highlighted the need for a legal framework to regulate overseas employment and prevent illegal migration.

Overseas Mobility Bill in the Works
The government is reportedly working on a new law to regulate migration and prevent future illegal movement. The ‘Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024’ was proposed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, in a report presented earlier this week. The bill aims to promote “safe, orderly, and regular migration” for Indians seeking employment abroad.

US Defends Deportation Policy
The US Embassy in India has justified the deportations, stating that strict enforcement of immigration laws is crucial for national security.

“I cannot go into further detail on the flight. I can share that enforcing our nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States,” a US Embassy spokesperson said.

The controversy surrounding the use of military aircraft for deportation is expected to remain a key point of discussion ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the US on February 12-13, where he is expected to meet President Donald Trump for the first time since his inauguration.