EAM Jaishankar affirms India's openness to undocumented Indians' return amid trump administration's immigration policies

World News: On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's position regarding the 'legitimate return' of undocumented Indian immigrants. This statement was reported by the news agency PTI, highlighting the government's openness to facilitating the return of its citizens.

Verification Process for Deportation

During discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar indicated that the Indian government is currently assessing the situation of undocumented Indians in the United States. He mentioned that a specific number of individuals eligible for deportation has not yet been determined.

Commitment to Legal Mobility

Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to legal mobility, stating, "As a government, we are obviously very much supportive of legal mobility because we do believe in a global workplace." He expressed the desire for Indian talent and skills to have maximum opportunities globally while firmly opposing illegal migration. He reiterated that any Indian citizen present illegally is welcome to return home through legitimate channels.

Concerns Over Illegal Immigration

Jaishankar linked illegal immigration to other illicit activities that could tarnish India's reputation. He noted that during his bilateral discussions with Rubio, he stressed the mutual interest of both nations in finding solutions that would facilitate legal mobility.

Visa Delays as a Barrier

The minister also addressed the issue of visa delays, stating that prolonged waiting periods hinder the relationship between India and the U.S. "If it takes 400-odd days of waiting period to get a visa, I don't think the relationship is well served by this," he remarked, underscoring the need for timely visa processing.

Historical Context of Deportation Efforts

Earlier reports indicated that India was collaborating with former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to deport approximately 180,000 Indians who were undocumented or had overstayed their visas. Jaishankar noted that this stance is not limited to the United States but reflects a consistent and principled approach towards illegal immigration across various countries. Jaishankar's remarks underscore India's proactive stance on immigration issues while advocating for legal pathways for its citizens abroad.