
India’s commitment to repatriate 18,000 illegal migrants from the US marks a significant shift in immigration policy and US-India relations.
That’s what happens when Trump is in charge.
At a Glance
- India agrees to repatriate 18,000 illegal migrants from the US
- Move aims to avoid trade tensions with the Trump administration
- India seeks to protect legal immigration pathways, including H-1B visas
- Cooperation could strengthen India’s international migration agreements
- Actual number of illegal Indian migrants in the US may be higher
India’s Commitment to Repatriation
India has agreed to repatriate 18,000 of its citizens living illegally in the United States – and we can thank President Donald Trump. This decision comes in response to pressure from the Trump administration, which has made illegal immigration a cornerstone of its policy agenda.
The repatriation effort is seen as a strategic move by India to cooperate with US demands and avoid potential trade conflicts. The Trump administration has been pushing countries to take back their undocumented nationals, with the threat of economic sanctions looming for non-compliance.
While addressing the issue of illegal immigration, India is also working to safeguard legal immigration routes, particularly student visas and the H-1B program. These pathways are crucial for Indian nationals, with nearly three-fourths of the 386,000 H-1B visas issued in 2023 going to Indians.
“As part of India-US cooperation on migration and mobility, both sides are engaged in a process to deter illegal migration. This is being done to create more avenues for legal migration from India to the US,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs Spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said.
The H-1B visa program, which is vital for Indian workers in technology and engineering sectors, has received support from influential figures like Elon Musk. Even President Trump has recently softened his stance on the program, calling it a “great programe.” But many Trump voters simply don’t agree.
Scale of Illegal Indian Migration
The exact number of illegal Indian migrants in the US remains unclear and could be significantly higher than the 18,000 slated for repatriation. According to some estimates, there are approximately 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants in the US, making them the third-largest group after those from Mexico and El Salvador.
“One of my most important obligations is to protect the American people from the disastrous effects of unlawful mass migration and resettlement. My Administration will marshal all available resources and authorities to stop this unprecedented flood of illegal aliens into the United States,” Trump said.
India accounts for about 3% of all unlawful crossings encountered by US Border Patrol in fiscal 2024. Notably, illegal Indian migration has been on the rise, particularly at the northern US border, where Indians represent nearly a quarter of all illegal crossings.
This cooperation on illegal immigration could have broader implications for US-India relations. The two countries have been working to deepen ties, particularly as a counterweight to China. India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, expressed confidence in the relationship, stating, “I know today a lot of countries are nervous about the US, let’s be honest about it. We are not one of them.”
However, challenges remain. President Trump has targeted BRICS countries, including India, regarding economic policies and currency issues. He warned, “The idea that the BRICS countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER. We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. economy.”