The U.S. State Department has enacted visa restrictions on the owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies operating in India, who are believed to be knowingly aiding illegal immigration into the United States.
As stated by spokesperson Tammy Bruce, “The Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service in Mission India works daily at our Embassy and Consulates to identify and target those involved in illegal immigration facilitation, human smuggling, and trafficking operations. We will continue to implement visa restrictions on those responsible to disrupt these smuggling networks.”
In early February, a U.S. military plane transported 104 deported Indian illegal immigrants back to Amritsar, Punjab. This marked the first instance of a military aircraft being used for such deportations to India.
According to local police in India, among those deported, 30 hailed from Punjab, while 33 each were from Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Haryana.
This action occurred just one week before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Bruce remarked, “Our immigration policy aims to educate foreign nationals about the dangers associated with illegal immigration to the U.S., while also holding accountable those who violate our laws, including those facilitating illegal immigration.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Trump administration has deported around 152,000 undocumented migrants to date.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem emphasized, “If you’re present in the U.S. illegally, self-deportation is the safest and most economical way to leave the country and avert arrest.”
The Pentagon is also preparing to deport over 5,000 migrants of various nationalities currently held by U.S. authorities across the nation.
Additionally, the Trump administration is offering a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance to migrants who choose to voluntarily self-deport from the United States.
DHS reports that the average cost involved in arresting, detaining, and deporting an undocumented individual is approximately $17,000, while the stipend and potential airfare for each migrant is roughly one-third of that amount, depending on their destination.
Analysts estimate that there are nearly 14 million individuals in the U.S. without legal status, and the Trump administration has pledged to deport all those who have breached immigration laws.
Bruce added, “Enforcing U.S. immigration laws and policies is essential for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring the safety of Americans. This visa restriction policy is global and even extends to those who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.”
While the U.S. has currently taken measures against Indian travel agencies linked to illegal immigration, experts assert that other nations should also monitor their travel agents to prevent similar issues.
