In 2025, the United States deported 3,258 Indian nationals, which brought the total number of Indians that have been deported out of the country since 2009 to 18,822, the government informed parliament on Wednesday.
In a written answer in the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that the figures of continuing enforcement efforts by the officials of the US immigration against people found staying in the country illegally or breaching the terms of the visa.
Sudden Increase in 2025 Deportations
The statistics indicate that the number of deportations made this year ranks as one of the highest ever in one year over the past ten years. Authorities put the growth on stricter immigration control measures, expedited removal proceedings, and collaboration between Indian and US law enforcement agencies.
Of the Indians deported in 2025:
Some 2,032 people were returned on regular commercial flights.
Special charter deportations by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had deported 1,226.
Special charter deportations by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had deported 1,226.
India Takes Action against the Illegal Migration Networks
The minister also traced the efforts of India to prevent illegal migration as well as human trafficking. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has established a special unit to probe cases associated with trafficking and has already pressed charge sheets on various of their agents alleged to be operating illegal migration rackets.
Some state governments, especially Punjab and Haryana, have filed several FIRs and arrested some of the travel agents and middlemen who were involved in the fraudulent overseas migration schemes.
Issues of Concern raised about Deportation Procedures
India has already expressed its complaint to the US on the issue of treating deportated to the U.S. and particularly the use of restraints during transit. Jaishankar alleged that Indian officials have petitioned to get guarantees that no women and minors would be shackled during deportation flights.
The US officials have said that containment actions are in the normal working procedure, which is aimed at offering security. However, the situation in India is still closely monitored by the Indian officials. The government claims that it has not recorded any proven complaints of women or children in the recent deportation cases.
Increasing attention to Peaceful and legal Migration
The government re-emphasized its desire to encourage the legal migration channels and safeguard Indian citizens in foreign nations. The government is also raising awareness programmes to discourage people to use the illegal means which can easily result in exploitation, detention or even deportation.
Why is America sending back Indian students in 2025?
Indian students are increasingly being deported out of the United States in the year 2025, leading to great concern among families, Universities and education consultants. Although the Indian nationals constitute the biggest number of foreign students in the US, the recent wave of deportations is not due to any particular policy against the Indians; it is mostly because of increased immigration controls, the failure to comply with visa regulations, and increased security checks. Here is the reason:
- Stricter student Visa regulations
- SEVIS Termination and Loss of Legal Status
- Unauthorized Employment Violations
- Visa Revocations After Entry
- Increased Security and Background Check
