On Wednesday afternoon, a US military plane carrying 104 Indian citizens touched down in Amritsar, Punjab. President Donald Trump's tough stance on illegal immigration included the flight. Indians have been largely overstaying their visa leading to such strict measures.

For a deportation mission, the aeroplane, a C-17, travelled a record-breaking distance. The majority of the migrants on board were from Punjab, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Under strict security, the aircraft arrived at its destination after departing Texas late on Tuesday night.

Personal Stories and Hardship

The cost of their voyage was high for many deportees. To pay for the relocation, Indian families sold their homes and land. Punjabi 23-year-old Akashdeep Singh paid about $60,000 for his passage.

To finance the journey, his father had to sell two-thirds of their property. After arriving in the United States in January, Akashdeep was arrested and subsequently deported. Family and friends remember his disappointment.

He "sounded low" on the phone, according to one relative. Even though his voyage ended in adversity, his return brought relief to his family. This is not a unique story. In search of a better life in the United States, numerous young Indians have put everything on the line.

A Surge in Illegal Migration

Data indicates a dramatic increase in India's illegal migration. There were approximately 8,027 unlawful Indian citizens in the United States during the 2018–19 fiscal year. That number soared to 96,917 by 2022–2023. Young Indians who are looking for work have chosen risky paths.

Many travel to the southern border of the United States via Latin America. According to the US authorities, approximately 18,000 Indian people are believed to have entered the country illegally. Between 2018 and 2023, 5,477 Indians were deported by ICE. 2,300 removals were reported in 2020 alone.

Local Response and Calls for Action

To handle the deportees, Punjab state officials have established separate counters in Amritsar. They promised to treat the migrants with kindness. The growing tendency of illegal migration is a major worry for local politicians.

A Punjabi official called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a direct conversation with President Trump. To address the underlying reasons for this problem, he requested a talk. Better economic prospects are demanded by local voices.

They observe that a large number of young individuals depart due to unemployment. In Punjab, a lot of families have experienced both emotional and financial hardship.

Some have invested their savings and sold real estate. According to a former village chief, the government should address the root of the issue instead of just making deportations public.

Federal and International Implications

Military flights have been used more frequently by the US for deportations. Although it travelled a record distance, this trip was one of several. The trip is part of the Trump administration's larger effort to stop illegal immigration.

The action has sparked discussion in both nations. Indian federal and local politicians desire closer collaboration with US officials. They emphasize the necessity of secure, authorized migration routes.

FAQS

Which US state was the source of the deportation flight?

After leaving Texas, the deportation aeroplane touched down in Amritsar, Punjab. There were no specifics given regarding the precise Texas departure city.

Are flights for deportation to India a recent trend?

No, there have been deportation flights to India before. A total of almost 1,000 Indian citizens were repatriated between October 2023 and September 2024. The current mission is noteworthy, though, because it was the first time a US military aircraft was used for this reason.