India has agreed to repatriate up to 18,000 of its citizens living illegally in the United States, marking a significant move to align with the Trump administration’s immigration policies and avoid potential trade tensions. The joint effort aims to demonstrate India’s willingness to cooperate on the issue of illegal migration, a key focus for President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, both the US and Indian governments have identified approximately 18,000 illegal Indian migrants, though the actual number may be higher. The deportation plan is seen as an attempt by India to maintain positive relations with the Trump administration, which has made curbing illegal immigration a top priority.
In exchange for this cooperation, India is seeking assurances that the US will continue to support legal immigration channels for its citizens, particularly the H-1B visa program, which is crucial for skilled Indian workers. Indian nationals represent a significant portion of the H-1B visas issued in recent years, accounting for nearly 75% of the 386,000 granted in 2023.
Although India contributes a relatively small share to the overall number of illegal migrants in the US, its numbers have been steadily increasing, especially at the northern border. Data from US Customs and Border Protection indicates that Indian migrants made up nearly a quarter of all illegal crossings at this entry point in fiscal 2024.
India’s efforts to repatriate illegal migrants are also part of a broader strategy to strengthen migration agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Japan, and Israel. Additionally, the cooperation is seen as a measure to combat overseas secessionist movements, such as the Khalistan movement, which advocates for a separate Sikh state in India.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fostered positive relations with Trump, India remains cautious about potential trade disruptions, as the US president has previously criticized India’s import tariffs on American goods. India’s cooperation on migration issues is viewed as a critical step to mitigate any negative impact from potential US trade policies.
In recent months, India has already repatriated more than 1,100 illegal Indian migrants from the US, underscoring its commitment to working with US authorities on immigration enforcement.
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