Introduction

Deportation is a significant part of the United States’ immigration enforcement system, and it has become an increasingly prominent issue in recent years. One of the most recent cases of deportation involved the removal of 104 Indian nationals who were illegally residing in the country. This group was sent back to India aboard a military aircraft that landed at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar in February 2025. This marks the first batch of deportations under the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies. So, what does deportation actually entail, and who gets sent back to their home countries?

What is Deportation?

Deportation refers to the formal removal of a non-citizen from the United States due to violations of immigration law. The process is managed by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which enforces federal immigration policies. Deportation can occur for a number of reasons, most commonly:

1. Violating visa status: This includes overstaying a visa, entering the country illegally, or violating the terms of an existing visa.

2. Criminal activity: Non-citizens convicted of serious crimes may be deported as part of their legal punishment.

3. Threat to public safety or national security: Individuals who are deemed a threat to public safety, either through actions or affiliations, can be subject to removal.

While deportation is often seen as a punitive action, it is part of the legal process that ensures non-citizens follow immigration regulations while residing in the US.

Who Gets Deported?

Deportations target individuals who have overstayed their visas, entered the country illegally, or committed crimes that make them ineligible to stay. The process of deportation also applies to people who pose security risks to the country. In many cases, deported individuals have been living in the US for several years and have families or community ties, which makes the process highly controversial.

In the case of the 104 Indian nationals recently deported, individuals from several states, including Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh, were included. This group also included minors, including a four-year-old boy and two young girls, aged five and seven. The fact that entire families, including young children, were part of the deportation highlights the human toll of the process.

The Deportation Process

The deportation process begins when an individual is detained by authorities, typically due to a violation of immigration laws. After detention, the person is held in a detention center until their case is reviewed in an immigration court. The Department of Justice oversees the court proceedings, where a judge reviews the individual’s case to determine whether they can remain in the country or should be deported. In certain cases, individuals may apply for asylum or argue that deportation would cause harm, but the court’s decision will determine the final outcome.

Some cases may involve expedited removals, particularly when a person is found to have violated entry requirements or is caught using fraudulent documentation. In these cases, the deportation may happen quickly, without a formal court hearing.

Once a deportation order is issued, the US government arranges transportation, typically by air, to send the individual back to their country of origin. Deportations are often carried out in large groups, particularly when multiple people are being removed at once.

Impact on US-India Relations

The deportation of 104 Indian nationals is a clear reflection of the Trump administration’s tougher stance on illegal immigration. It also follows discussions between India and the United States about addressing migration issues. India is one of the largest sources of foreign-born immigrants in the United States, and the topic of illegal immigration from India has been a subject of concern for US authorities. While previous administrations had also carried out deportations, this marks a significant departure as the operation was conducted using a military aircraft for the first time.

This deportation comes amid growing diplomatic ties between India and the US, with trade and immigration being central themes of discussion. The United States is India’s largest trading partner, and both countries are keen to strengthen their strategic partnership, particularly in light of China’s growing influence in the region. India has expressed a desire to make it easier for skilled workers to obtain US visas, which would help ease some of the tensions related to immigration.

India and the US are expected to address migration concerns further when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with President Donald Trump. The upcoming talks are likely to cover the improvement of immigration processes for Indian professionals seeking to work in the US.

Conclusion

Deportation is a complex process that is rooted in the enforcement of immigration laws and regulations. While it can serve as a deterrent for illegal immigration, it often has significant human and diplomatic consequences. The deportation of the 104 Indian nationals underscores the US’ commitment to addressing illegal immigration, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing immigration enforcement with diplomatic relations. As the US and India continue to strengthen their ties, the topic of immigration is likely to remain a focal point in future discussions between the two nations.