The Shackled Dreams: Indian Deportations Amidst Trump-Modi Relations
In recent weeks, multiple deportation flights have returned undocumented Indian immigrants, primarily from Punjab, to Amritsar. These individuals, having undertaken perilous journeys through Central America to enter the U.S., were detained and sent back, often in shackles. This situation has reignited discussions on U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump and the economic challenges in Punjab driving such migration.
President Trump’s administration has intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration, implementing strict policies leading to increased deportations. The recent flights are a testament to this unwavering stance. In contrast, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has cooperated in repatriating its citizens, facilitating their return without significant diplomatic contention. This collaboration underscores a pragmatic approach, balancing international relations with domestic responsibilities.
The root cause prompting many Punjabis to seek illegal entry into the U.S. lies in the economic distress within the region. Once celebrated as India’s agricultural heartland, Punjab now grapples with declining farm incomes, mounting debts, and soaring unemployment rates. These challenges have eroded the economic fabric, leaving the youth disillusioned and desperate for better prospects abroad.
Political Dynamics and Migration: The U.S.-India Angle
The deportation of undocumented Indian migrants, primarily from Punjab, is not just a humanitarian issue but also a reflection of political realities in both countries. President Donald Trump has made illegal immigration a key focus of his administration. Under his leadership, the U.S. has intensified border security, increased deportations, and tightened asylum policies.
Unlike some countries that resist repatriation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has actively cooperated with the U.S. in taking back deported Indian citizens. In December 2023, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that it was working closely with the U.S. to facilitate deportations, emphasizing that illegal immigration is not encouraged. While Modi has championed the success of Indian expatriates in tech and business, his government does not extend the same enthusiasm to those who migrate illegally. Modi’s government has emphasized economic reforms such as Make in India and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, but these policies have done little to resolve Punjab’s deep-rooted unemployment crisis. Punjab’s unemployment rate stood at 7.3% in 2023, above the national average, and farm distress has worsened due to shrinking landholdings and rising debt. The lack of well-paying jobs has fueled illegal migration, particularly among Punjabi youth.
The Political Divide
Opposition parties in Punjab, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, have blamed Modi’s BJP-led central government for failing to provide job opportunities, but the BJP argues that state-level mismanagement is to blame. Meanwhile, hardline Sikh groups and pro-Khalistan factions have exploited the migration crisis to highlight Punjab’s economic struggles, adding a layer of political complexity.
With Trump doubling down on deportations and Modi showing no resistance to accepting returnees, the future looks bleak for undocumented Indian migrants. Unless Punjab’s economic conditions improve, illegal migration—and the cycle of deportation—will continue.
A Deportee’s Lament
As one deported migrant poignantly stated upon arrival in Amritsar: “If there were jobs and money in Punjab, why would we have left in the first place?” This sentiment encapsulates the harsh reality faced by many, where economic hardship compels them to seek uncertain futures abroad, only to be met with stringent immigration policies and forced returns.
