NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
NEW DELHI, June 6, 2026 — A total of 1,076 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States so far this year, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on June 6, underscoring ongoing cooperation between the two countries to combat illegal migration.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and the United States remain engaged on issues related to migration and mobility and are committed to taking action against illegal immigration networks.
“The Government of India and the U.S. are in close cooperation on migration issues,” Jaiswal said, adding that efforts are focused on curbing illegal migration while facilitating legal pathways for travel, education, and employment.
The latest figure comes amid heightened immigration enforcement under the administration of President Donald Trump, which has accelerated deportations of undocumented immigrants and individuals found to be in violation of U.S. immigration laws.
According to official figures cited by the MEA, 3,567 Indian nationals were deported from the United States during 2025. If the current pace continues, the number of deportations in 2026 could approach or exceed last year’s total.
Many of those deported are believed to have entered the United States through unauthorized routes, overstayed visas, or exhausted legal options after unsuccessful asylum claims. In recent years, authorities in both countries have expressed concern about organized smuggling networks that facilitate irregular migration from India, particularly through so-called “Dunki” routes that take migrants through multiple countries before they attempt to enter the United States.
The issue attracted attention earlier this year when several deportation flights carrying Indian nationals arrived in India aboard U.S. military aircraft. Reports that some deportees had been restrained during transport sparked political debate in India and prompted calls for the government to ensure the dignified treatment of returning citizens.
Despite the increase in deportations, Indian officials have emphasized that enforcement actions against illegal migration should not be viewed as a change in policy toward legal immigration. India remains one of the largest sources of international students, skilled workers, and employment-based visa holders in the United States.
The MEA reiterated that both governments continue to support legal migration channels while working together to discourage unauthorized entry and dismantle human smuggling operations.
The announcement comes as immigration enforcement remains a major policy issue in the United States, with federal authorities increasing scrutiny of visa overstays, border crossings, and transnational migration networks.
