Trump’s Return Triggers Indian Deportation Surge: 7,200+ in 5 Years, 1,703 in 2025 Alone (Social Media)
National News: After Donald Trump assumed the U.S. presidency in January 2025, the number of Indians deported from America saw a sharp increase. Fresh figures from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reveal that between January 2020 and July 2025, 7,244 Indians were sent back from the U.S. for various reasons. Strikingly, 1,703 of them were sent back in just the first seven months of 2025—after Trump began his second term.
Under the Biden administration (2020–2024), the U.S. deported an average of three Indians per day. But since Trump reclaimed the presidency, that figure has more than doubled to around eight Indians a day. Immigration experts link this surge to Trump’s reinstated “zero-tolerance” immigration policy. He had imposed similarly tough measures during his first term (2017–2021) and wasted no time reinstating them in early 2025.
In a recent statement, the U.S. State Department said, “We are constantly reviewing visa holders to ensure they comply with U.S. laws and immigration regulations. Those who violate the rules will have their visas canceled and will be deported immediately.”
This strict approach means even minor visa violations or paperwork discrepancies can now lead to deportation. Alongside, enforcement against illegal entry has intensified, with U.S. agencies actively targeting migrants crossing borders without proper documentation.
The MEA revealed that out of the 1,703 Indians deported in 2025, 864 were flown back on charter and military aircraft. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deported 333 Indians on military flights conducted on February 5, 15, and 16. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported 231 people via charter flights on March 19, June 8, and June 25. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) returned 300 Indians on chartered planes on July 5 and 18.
In addition, 747 individuals were deported on commercial flights, while 72 others, apprehended via Panama, were also sent back to India.
Data shows Punjab tops the list of deportations, followed closely by Haryana:
Punjab and Haryana dominate the numbers largely because of a longstanding pattern of irregular migration from these regions, often through unsafe or illegal routes.
Several key factors are driving the deportations: Visa Violations—For instance, students or workers taking up unauthorized jobs.
Immigration lawyer Vishal Chaudhary observes, “Trump’s administration is reinstating the same policies from his first term. His ‘America First’ agenda means stricter checks and tougher enforcement. Indians are being caught mainly in visa violation and illegal entry cases.”
This surge in deportations has created widespread unease among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the U.S. Many are rushing to recheck their visa status and documentation. Meanwhile, back in India, attention is turning to immigration agents and networks that promise “easy access” to the U.S. but instead send people through illegal and dangerous routes—charging lakhs of rupees in the process.
A senior MEA official stated, “We are in constant touch with U.S. authorities and try to provide legal assistance in every case. But when an individual breaks American law, intervention becomes difficult. We strongly urge Indian citizens not to attempt illegal migration to the U.S. under any circumstances.”
Trump’s return to the White House has reshaped U.S. immigration enforcement—and Indians are feeling the brunt of it. With thousands already deported and states like Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat most affected, experts warn the trend could worsen in the coming months if policies remain this tough.
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