104 Indian migrants deported from the US arrive in India | ABC NEWS

Summary

A recent flight carrying 104 deportees from the U.S. landed in India, marking the first major removal outside the Americas under President Trump's crackdown on undocumented migrants. India's external affairs minister confirmed the country's acceptance of deported citizens, with an estimated 725,000 undocumented Indians in the U.S. The deportees were likely caught at the U.S.-Mexico border. The flight's use of military aircraft sparked attention due to its high cost, with the U.S. viewing deportations as a deterrent. As Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Washington, this issue may play a role in shaping U.S.-India relations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The flight landed in the city of Ritzer on Wednesday, carrying 104 deportees.
• 😀 This marks the first large-scale deportation outside the Americas since President Trump increased crackdowns on undocumented migrants.
• 😀 India's External Affairs Minister confirmed that New Delhi would accept the deported individuals, emphasizing the country's willingness to cooperate with such repatriations.
• 😀 India has consistently stated its readiness to accept its citizens who are in the U.S. illegally, provided their citizenship is confirmed.
• 😀 An estimated 725,000 undocumented Indians live in the U.S., making them the third largest group of unauthorized immigrants after those from Mexico and El Salvador.
• 😀 Many of the deported individuals were reportedly caught at the U.S.-Mexico border, often using illegal routes known as 'donkey routes' through Latin America.
• 😀 The deportation flight drew a crowd at Amitz Airport, leading to an increased police security presence.
• 😀 Military aircraft were used for the deportation, which raised concerns due to its significantly higher cost compared to commercial flights.
• 😀 The U.S. State Department suggested that deportations like these are intended as a deterrent to illegal immigration.
• 😀 The timing of this deportation is significant as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Washington next week, and this topic may be part of the discussions on U.S.-India relations.

Q & A

What is the significance of the flight that touched down in Ritzer city?

The flight carried 104 deportees and marks the first large-scale removal outside of the Americas since President Trump's crackdown on undocumented migrants.

Why did India's External Affairs Minister confirm that India would accept the deportees?

India has always been open to the legitimate return of its citizens, especially if they are confirmed to be Indian nationals and are residing illegally in foreign countries.

How many undocumented Indians are estimated to be living in the US?

It is estimated that around 725,000 undocumented Indians live in the United States, making them the third-largest group of unauthorized immigrants after Mexico and El Salvador.

Where are many of the deported individuals likely to have been caught?

Reports suggest that many of the deported individuals were caught at the US-Mexico border, likely after using illegal routes, sometimes referred to as 'donkey routes,' through Latin America.

What prompted the security boost at Amitz Airport?

The flight carrying deportees drew a crowd at Amitz Airport, which led to the deployment of additional police for security purposes.

Why were military aircraft used for deportations instead of commercial planes?

The use of military aircraft, which is more expensive than commercial planes, has raised concerns and is believed to be aimed at serving as a deterrent.

What is the US State Department's stance on deportations like these?

The US State Department views deportations as a means to deter illegal immigration, emphasizing their role in discouraging unauthorized entries into the country.

What is the timing significance of the deportations in relation to India-US relations?

The timing of the deportations is significant as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Washington next week, and the issue of deportations could be on the agenda for discussion.

How has India signaled its willingness to cooperate on deportations?

India has indicated its openness to cooperate by expressing its willingness to accept its citizens who are found to be residing illegally in other countries.

How might these deportations affect broader US-India relations?

While India has shown cooperation, the broader impact on US-India relations will depend on how the issue of deportations is addressed during Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit and any negotiations that follow.