US President-elect Donald Trump, set to assume office in January 2025, has begun implementing stricter immigration policies, leading to a significant crackdown on undocumented individuals. Among the 1.45 million people slated for deportation, nearly 18,000 undocumented Indians are at risk.

India Among "Uncooperative" Countries

India has been classified as one of the "uncooperative" countries in the deportation process, alongside nations such as Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Venezuela. The classification stems from challenges cited by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including difficulties in conducting interviews, issuing travel documents, and accepting the physical return of nationals in accordance with removal guidelines.

This designation could strain diplomatic relations, as deportation efforts are expected to intensify under Trump's administration. In a recent interview, Trump emphasized his intent to impose substantial tariffs on countries that refuse to cooperate, adding, “I want them out, and the countries have got to take them back. If they don’t take them back, we won’t do business with those countries.”

Undocumented Indians in the US

Although India ranks 13th on the list of nations with undocumented immigrants, it still faces significant challenges. ICE data from November 2024 shows that India has 17,940 undocumented individuals, far fewer than neighboring countries like Honduras and Guatemala, which top the list with 261,000 and 253,000 undocumented people, respectively.

For undocumented Indians, the process of legalizing their status is fraught with bureaucratic hurdles, with waiting periods often extending to two or three years. Over the past three years, around 90,000 Indians, primarily from states like Punjab, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, were apprehended while attempting to enter the US illegally.

India’s Deportation Challenges

The deportation process for Indians faces delays due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and limited cooperation in issuing timely travel documents. Scheduled commercial and charter flights for deportation are often stalled, complicating the process further.

Trump has vowed to carry out the largest deportation effort in US history, putting thousands of Indians with final deportation orders at immediate risk. This development has raised concerns within the Indian diaspora, many of whom are now exploring legal remedies or preparing for potential repatriation.

Impact on US-India Relations

The crackdown may have far-reaching implications on US-India diplomatic and trade relations. Trump’s pledge to make business “very hard” for uncooperative nations could lead to substantial tariffs, affecting economic ties between the two countries.

As the implementation of these policies unfolds, the fate of thousands of undocumented Indians hangs in the balance, marking a critical moment for US immigration policy and its global repercussions.