/newsfirstprime/media/post_attachments/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Illegal-immigrants.jpg)
A total of 104 Indian nationals, deported from the United States, arrived at Punjab’s Amritsar airport on Wednesday aboard a U.S. military C-17 transport aircraft. This marks the first large-scale deportation to India under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies.
Also Read: US schools ordered to reinstate Trump-era sexual misconduct rules
Among those deported, 30 are from Punjab, 33 each from Haryana and Gujarat, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh, sources revealed. Upon arrival, authorities conducted initial questioning and medical examinations before arranging their return to their respective states.
No family members were present at the airport to receive the deportees, sources said. State governments organized special buses with police escorts to transport them home, ensuring their security. Deportees from Maharashtra and Gujarat will be flown back to their respective states.
The incident highlights the growing issue of illegal immigration, particularly from Punjab, where many individuals attempt to enter the U.S. through unauthorized routes, often paying large sums to agents. With stricter immigration enforcement in place, deportations of such individuals have increased in recent years.
Authorities continue to verify the credentials of those deported, and further action will be taken as per government regulations. The situation underscores the risks associated with illegal migration and the need for legal pathways for overseas employment and settlement.