New Delhi’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, recently expressed that India is willing to facilitate the return of undocumented Indians living in the United States. This statement followed a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where the topic of illegal immigration was prominent.
Jaishankar emphasized that India stands firmly against illegal migration. He said, “If we can confirm that our citizens are undocumented, we are open to their legal return to India.” This stance is consistent with India’s approach to similar cases in other nations as well.
During a news conference in Washington, Jaishankar noted that the United States has identified around 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants for repatriation. While the exact numbers are still being verified, there have been instances in the past where Indian nationals have already been sent back to India.
According to the Pew Research Center, Indians accounted for the third-largest group of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2022, totaling about 725,000 individuals. This statistic places India behind only Mexico and El Salvador.
Jaishankar’s remarks also reflect India’s desire to address the concerns of the Trump administration regarding illegal immigration, especially as discussions on trade and tariffs become more complex. Analysts believe that by taking this proactive step, India is showcasing its willingness to cooperate. Harsh Pant, a vice president at the Observer Research Foundation, stated that this allows India diplomatic flexibility in other pressing matters with the U.S.
In addition to addressing illegal migration, Jaishankar spoke in favor of legal migration avenues. He highlighted the importance of legal mobility for Indian talent. The H-1B visa program, which allows skilled foreign workers to fill roles in the U.S., has been a contentious topic in American politics. Critics argue it harms local workers, while proponents say it helps U.S. businesses thrive.
Indians, particularly in the tech industry, have been among the largest beneficiaries of this program. Pant mentions that India has a strong case regarding H-1B visas, receiving support even from influential figures like Elon Musk. Interestingly, despite previous criticism, Trump has also shown support for this visa program lately.
In summary, India’s commitment to managing undocumented migration while promoting legal pathways reflects its broader strategy to strengthen relations with the U.S. It’s a balancing act that aims to address immediate concerns while fostering long-term cooperation.
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Source linkSouth & Central Asia, United States, India, undocumented Indians
