New Delhi: While the deportation process from the US is not new, it gained momentum eversince Donald Trump took a hardline stance on illegal immigrations. Reports indicate that the number of Indians deported from the US is significantly higher during Trump’s tenure compared to the Biden administration.
According to data recently presented by India’s Ministry of External Affairs to Parliament, between 2008 and 2023, around 15,564 Indians were deported from the US, with most being sent back on chartered and commercial flights.
During Trump’s first term as president (2017–2020), deportations of Indians spiked. In 2017, 1,024 Indians were sent back, followed by 1,180 in 2018, peaking at 2,042 in 2019, and 1,890 in 2020. After Trump took office for a second time, 808 more deportations occurred, and preparations are underway to deport an additional 295 individuals.
In contrast, under President Joe Biden’s tenure (2021–2024), the deportation numbers of Indians dropped by nearly half, with 8,652 individuals deported in total. The year 2023 recorded the highest number during Biden’s presidency, with 1,048 deportations.
While opposition parties in India have criticized the US for its alleged harsh treatment of illegal immigrants, particularly under Trump’s administration, the Indian government has stated that it brought these concerns to the attention of US authorities at the time.
In response, American officials clarified that women and children were not subjected to shackling during the deportation process.
