US Repatriates 1,100 Indian Nationals Amid Tightened Immigration Policy

Around 1,100 Indian nationals illegally residing in the US were repatriated in the fiscal year 2023-24. The removal, conducted via charter and commercial flights, marked efforts by the US Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with Indian authorities to manage irregular migration.

In a significant move, the US has repatriated approximately 1,100 Indian nationals residing illegally within its borders during the American financial year 2023-24, which concluded on September 30. A senior US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official confirmed that these individuals were returned to India using both charter and commercial flights.

During a virtual briefing, Royce Murray, US DHS Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy, clarified details surrounding an October 22 charter flight that deported numerous Indian nationals. Murray specified that the group consisted of adult males and females, without any minors among them, and noted the flight's destination was Punjab.

The briefing highlighted ongoing cooperation between the DHS and Indian government on matters of irregular migration. Over the fiscal year, DHS processed the removal of more than 160,000 individuals worldwide, operating 495 international repatriation flights to 145 countries, including substantial numbers to India.