The United States has labeled India as one of the "uncooperative" countries in the deportation process, adding strain to diplomatic relations as President-elect Donald Trump’s administration prepares to implement stricter immigration policies.
A new report from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that 18,000 undocumented Indians are among the 1.45 million individuals slated for deportation in the coming months, NDTV reports.
In addition to India, the list includes Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Venezuela. ICE said that these countries have failed to assist in key processes such as conducting interviews, issuing travel documents in a timely manner, and facilitating the repatriation of their nationals on designated flights.
India ranks 13th, with approximately 17,940 undocumented individuals in the US, compared to China's 37,908.
Over the past three years, around 90,000 Indians have been apprehended trying to cross the US border illegally, with many hailing from states such as Punjab, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, according to The Times of India.
The tension surrounding deportations is worsened by India’s failure to fully cooperate with US authorities. ICE has expressed frustration over delays in issuing travel documents and conducting deportation interviews, adding to the diplomatic challenge.
As Trump prepares for what he has promised will be the largest deportation effort in US history, the pressure on India to cooperate with these measures is expected to grow.
