External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that there has been no change in the procedure for the deportation of illegal immigrants by the United States, stressing that the process is “not a new one” and has been “ongoing for several years.”
Jaishankar’s statement came in response to Congress’ adjournment motions in the Lok Sabha seeking a discussion on the deportation of over 100 illegal Indian immigrants by the U.S. and urging the government to clarify its position and diplomatic efforts to ensure dignified treatment of deportees.
A U.S. military plane carrying 104 deported individuals, including 25 women and 12 minors, landed in Amritsar on Wednesday.
“It is the obligation of all countries 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 is it one practised only by India. It is a generally accepted principle in international relations. Members would be aware that the process of deportation is not new and has been ongoing for several years,” Jaishankar said.
He emphasized that deportations are conducted under Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) effective since 2012, which includes provisions for the use of restraints during flights.
“The deportation by the US is organised and executed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE) authority. The SOP of deportation by aircraft used by ICE which is effective from 2012 provides for the use of restraint…. However, we have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained,” Jaishankar said, adding that deportees’ needs, including food, medical emergencies, and temporary unrestraining for toilet breaks, are attended to.
Jaishankar reaffirmed that India remains in active engagement with the U.S. to ensure humane treatment of deportees and reiterated the need for a crackdown on the illegal immigration industry while streamlining visa processes for legitimate travellers.
“We are engaging with 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 on a strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry while taking steps to ease visas for legitimate travellers. Based on the information provided by returning deportees about the agents and others involved, law enforcement agencies will take necessary preventive and exemplary actions,” he said.
(With IANS inputs)
