US Has Deported Over 1,080 Indians Since January

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – The United States has deported approximately 1,080 Indian nationals since January 2025, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). On May 29, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India’s ongoing close cooperation with the U.S. on migration issues, particularly regarding the repatriation of Indian citizens found in the U.S. without valid immigration status.

Jaiswal noted that roughly 62% of these individuals returned to India via commercial flights, with the remaining repatriated through other arrangements such as chartered flights or government-coordinated operations. “We accept them back after verifying their details,” Jaiswal stated, highlighting the established protocol between the two nations.

The MEA’s update on deportations comes as India closely monitors evolving U.S. visa policies, especially those impacting Indian students and exchange visitors. Jaiswal reiterated the paramount importance of the welfare of Indian students abroad. “While visa issuance is a sovereign matter, we hope Indian applicants will be assessed on merit and allowed to join their academic programs on schedule,” he added.

This statement follows reports of a new directive from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which instructs American embassies and consulates to temporarily halt the scheduling of new student visa interviews.

The directive, which references executive orders related to counterterrorism and antisemitism, specifically states that no additional appointment slots for F, M, and J visa categories (student and exchange visitor visas) should be added until further notice. While the specifics of the new vetting process remain unclear, the move suggests a more stringent approach to visa approvals under the Trump administration.