The Congress party has raised serious concerns in the Lok Sabha over the mass deportation of over 100 Indian nationals from the United States. Party leaders KC Venugopal, Gaurav Gogoi, and Manickam Tagore submitted adjournment motions, urging the central government to address the issue and ensure the dignified treatment of those deported. According to reports, the deportees, who arrived in Amritsar on a US military aircraft, were handcuffed throughout the journey, sparking outrage over their alleged inhumane treatment. Congress leaders called for immediate intervention to dismantle human trafficking networks, reintegrate affected individuals, and establish structured legal avenues for Indians seeking opportunities abroad. They criticized the government for failing to protect Indian migrants from mistreatment and demanded a clear stance on India’s diplomatic efforts regarding the crisis.
The deportation comes amid US President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on illegal immigration, a policy that has significantly impacted the Indian diaspora. The US administration has justified the move as part of its broader immigration enforcement strategy, stating that individuals who entered illegally will be returned to their home countries without exception. However, Indian officials and state governments, particularly in Punjab and Gujarat, have expressed disappointment, as many deportees had invested large sums of money to migrate and contribute to the US economy. Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal argued that these individuals deserved a chance at legal residency rather than abrupt expulsion. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in a recent meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reiterated India’s position that the return of its nationals should be handled with dignity and due process.
With over 7,25,000 undocumented Indians residing in the US, this deportation marks just the beginning of a larger crackdown. Many of those affected reportedly traveled through unsafe routes, falling prey to human trafficking networks that promise illegal entry into the US for exorbitant fees. Congress leaders emphasized the need for urgent policy measures to curb illegal migration and provide legal pathways for employment abroad. The timing of these deportations, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Washington, adds a diplomatic dimension to the issue. The opposition has criticized the BJP-led government for failing to address the concerns of Indian migrants effectively, highlighting the urgent need for stronger diplomatic negotiations to protect Indian nationals abroad.
