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LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2272
ANSWERED ON - 01/08/2025

DEPORTATION OF INDIAN NATIONALS FROM USA

2272. SMT. KANIMOZHI KARUNANIDHI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government maintains data regarding Indian citizens who have been deported from the USA since January 2025 and if so, the details thereof, including the modes of deportation;

(b) whether the Government has taken any diplomatic steps to ensure better coordination and humane treatment of Indian nationals facing deportation from the USA and other countries;

(c) whether the Government has received any formal communication from the USA regarding recent changes or delays in student visa processes, especially the reported suspension of fresh appointments for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, J categories), if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has any mechanism to monitor the status of Indian students and migrants in the USA facing deportation, denial of visa or social media-based vetting procedures, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the details regarding the steps taken to rehabilitate deported Indian Students?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to b) Between 20 January and 22 July 2025, a total of 1,703 Indian nationals were deported by the U.S. Government to India. Of them, there were 1,562 men and 141 women. The breakup of deportees by modes of deportation is placed below:

The State/UT-wise breakup of the deportees is placed below:

The Ministry of External Affairs remains engaged with the U.S. side to ensure the humane treatment of deportees during deportation operations. The Ministry strongly registered its concerns with the U.S. authorities on the treatment of deportees, particularly with respect to use of shackles, especially on women and children. Concerns with regards to religious / cultural sensitivities including the use of turbans and dietary preferences have also been formally taken up with the U.S. side. This Ministry has not received any complaint pertaining to treatment of deportees on any flight after February 5, 2025.

(c to e) The Ministry of External Affairs received several representations from Indian students and their families flagging difficulties in obtaining student visa appointments. The Ministry took up the matter with U.S. Embassy in New Delhi as well as the U.S. Department of State. In response, the US side has shared the following:

• Additional security requirements for student visas have further reduced the capacity of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India to process visas. However, student visa appointments are now open.

• For J-1 physician category, the US side has launched a software-based solution to prioritize their appointments. Several students who had previously reported unavailability of appointment slots under this category of visa and have now been able to get appointments.

• U.S. Embassy is working to open a limited number of additional student visa appointments through the end of August in recognition of the urgent need for these appointments before the start of the new academic year.

• The US Embassy is developing a student visa fact sheet with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that should help reduce uncertainty around this issue.

While the issuance of visa is a sovereign prerogative of the concerned country, the Ministry of External Affairs has consistently raised with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi as well as the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. the issues being faced by prospective Indian students in obtaining U.S. visas.

The Government of India remains engaged with the U.S. Government to promote mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks that allow for streamlining avenues for legal mobility of students and professionals, and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel.

Indian Missions/Posts in the U.S. maintain regular contacts with the Indian students enrolled in U.S. universities. Our Embassy and Consulates have dedicated officers who closely track education / student welfare related matters. Indian students travelling abroad for higher studies are also encouraged to register on the MADAD Portal.

The grievances of Indian migrants abroad, including students, are dealt with by Indian Missions/Posts on priority and are responded to almost on a real time basis through telephone calls, walk-ins, emails, social media, 24x7 emergency helplines, Open Houses and the MADAD Portal. Those in distress are provided all possible consular assistance, including emergency medical care and boarding/lodging, whenever required. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has been set up in Indian Missions/Posts abroad for assisting overseas Indian nationals, including Indian students, in distress situations on a means tested basis for deserving cases.