Mr. Speaker,
I rise to apprise the House of certain developments pertaining to deportation of Indians from the USA.
Sir,
2. Hon’ble Members are aware that people-to-people exchanges constitute the bedrock of our deepening ties with the United States. Indeed, more than any other relationship, mobility and migration has had a key role to play in enhancing its quality.
Sir,
3. The House would also share the view of the Government that it is our collective interest to encourage legal mobility and discourage illegal movement. In fact, illegal mobility and migration has many other associated activities, also of an illegal nature. Moreover, those of our citizens who are inveigled into illegal movement themselves become prey to other crimes. They are trapped into moving and working under inhumane conditions. Members are aware that unfortunately there have been even fatalities in the course of such illegal migration. Those who have returned have also testified to their harrowing experiences.
Speaker Sir,
4. It is the obligation of all nations to take back their nationals, if they are found to be living illegally abroad. This is naturally subject to an unambiguous verification of their nationality. This is not a policy applicable to any specific country, nor indeed one only practiced by India. It is a general accepted principle in international relations.
Sir,
5. Hon’ble members would be aware that the process of deportation is not a new one, I repeat, the process of deportation is not a new one and has been ongoing for several years. I would like to share with the House the details of deportation from the United States since 2009. Their numbers, year-wise, are listed in my statement as:
Table Title
|
Year |
No. of Deportees (Charter and Commercial) |
|
2009 |
734 |
|
2010 |
799 |
|
2011 |
597 |
|
2012 |
530 |
|
2013 |
515 |
|
2014 |
591 |
|
2015 |
708 |
|
2016 |
1303 |
|
2017 |
1024 |
|
2018 |
1180 |
|
2019 |
2042 |
|
2020 |
1889 |
|
2021 |
805 |
|
2022 |
862 |
|
2023 |
617 |
|
2024 |
1368 |
|
2025 (Until 5 Feb) |
104 |
(Data is from Bureau of Immigration, MHA, India)
Sir,
6. These are the numbers given by our Bureau of Immigration. The numbers for 2009-2014 from Department of Homeland Security are much higher. Deportations by the US are organized and executed by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities. The Standard Operating Procedure for deportation by aircraft used by ICE, that is effective from 2012, I repeat to you, these are procedures in place from 2012, provides for the use of restraints. Sir, I have an American document of 2012 which lays out the restraint procedure. I authenticate it, and I will lay it on the table of the house. However, we have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained. And the needs of deportees during transit related to food or other necessities, including possible medical emergencies, are attended to. During toilet breaks, deportees are temporarily unrestrained if needed in that regard. This is applicable to chartered civilian aircraft as well as the military aircraft. There has been no change from past procedure, I repeat, no change, from past procedure for the flight undertaken by the US on 5 February 2025.
Sir,
7. We are engaging the US Government to ensure that the returning deportees are not mistreated in any manner during the flight. At the same time, the House will appreciate that our focus should be to crackdown strongly on the illegal migration industry, while taking steps to ease visas for the legitimate traveler. On the basis of information provided by returning deportees about the agents and others involved, law enforcement agencies will take necessary preventive actions.
I thank you sir
New Delhi
February 06, 2025