New Delhi:
A plane with 119 Indians landed at Amritsar airport on Saturday, marking the second arrival linked to the US’s push to deport illegal immigrants in 10 days. This follows a previous flight on February 5 that brought back 104 Indians.
The latest flight from the US was a C-17 Globemaster, arriving around 11:40 PM. Among those deported, 67 are from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, 8 from Gujarat, and others from states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Some family members were present at the airport to welcome them.
The earlier group of deportees included 33 from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, and a few others. All were flown back on a military aircraft from San Antonio, Texas.
During the flight, the deportees were shackled and restrained, which led to a significant political outcry in India. This issue raised tensions in Parliament during the Budget session.
In response to the criticism, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India is in talks with the US to ensure the fair treatment of deportees. He pointed out that deportations have been happening for years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the US recently, affirmed that India will accept its citizens living illegally in the US but stressed the need to combat human trafficking.
The US Embassy in India defended the deportations, stating that enforcing immigration laws is essential for national security and public safety. They emphasized the commitment to remove individuals residing in the US without legal permission.
India ranks third among countries with undocumented immigrants in the US, following Mexico and El Salvador.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited the airport and assured arrangements for the return of deportees back to their homes. Those from other states will fly to Delhi on Sunday morning before heading to their respective areas.
Mr. Mann criticized the government for using Amritsar as a deportation hub. Many deportees from Punjab had dreams of a better life in the US, only to see those hopes dashed when they were apprehended at the border and sent back.
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