Urgent Investigation Demanded: How Deportees Mysteriously Reached US, Declares Jaishankar
Guwahati, Feb 6: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the Rajya Sabha, announced an investigation into the illegal entry of 104 Indian nationals into the United States, who were recently deported. He reiterated the government’s dedication to dismantling illegal immigration networks to prevent future occurrences. Authorities will meet with returnees to understand their journey, identify the agents involved, and devise preventive measures.
His statement came amidst opposition protests in Parliament over the treatment of the deportees. Jaishankar noted that illegal migration to the US isn’t new and assured that the deportees’ nationalities were verified before their return to India. He emphasized India’s active engagement with US authorities to ensure fair treatment of deportees, while stressing India’s priority on curbing illicit immigration activities.
Highlighting international legal obligations, Jaishankar mentioned that countries are responsible for repatriating their nationals found living illegally abroad. On the deportation process, he confirmed it adhered to a 2012 US ICE Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which includes restraints, although women and children were exempt during repatriation.
This move marked the first instance of using a US military aircraft for deportations to India, landing in Amritsar, Punjab. The deportees faced rigorous checks upon return. The process has sparked criticism due to reports of handcuffing adult deportees, prompting Indian parliamentary protests over alleged mistreatment.
Jaishankar further emphasized the significance of legal migration as a pillar of Indo-US relations, highlighting the role of people-to-people exchanges in enhancing bilateral ties. Despite criticisms, he maintained that such measures are part of US policy applied to all illegal immigrants, not specifically targeting Indians. The government remains firm on cracking down on illegal immigration within India and strengthening lawful mobility, pivotal to the Indo-US partnership.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/national/authorities-ordered-to-investigate-how-deportees-reached-the-us-jaishankar-1567235
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Publish Date: 2025-02-06 16:46:00
