During his first term, US president Donald Trump enacted several executive orders designed to curb immigration, including building the border wall and ramping up deportations. This time around, he is firm on mass deportations of illegal immigrants, many of which are Indians. Anticipating a deportation bloodbath, the Indian government is planning to take back about 18,000 citizens who are living illegally in the US. The actual number of such immigrants is probably far higher. Many Indians risk their lives by taking illegal routes to migrate to greener pastures. While India can do little about many of its citizens willing to take untold risks in trying to cross into the US illegally, the least it can do is be ready to take back those Indians who have been caught staying in the US illegally. The Indian government should ensure that deportation of undocumented Indians is done in an orderly manner. Proactive actions to reduce illegal emigration to the Gulf or any western countries are critical to strengthening lawful pathways. And to coordinate these, a separate Ministry overseeing emigration cases is necessary.
