Trump's immigration crackdown puts over 20,000 undocumented Indians at risk
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping immigration crackdown, emphasizing the southern border with Mexico and criminal cartels. However, this policy shift has also raised concerns in New Delhi, particularly for the 20,407 undocumented Indians facing uncertain futures in the United States.
As of November 2024, these individuals fall into two categories: 17,940 are under final removal orders but not detained, while 2,467 remain in detention under the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Indians now constitute the fourth-largest national group in ICE custody and the largest among Asians. Overall, ICE currently detains more than 37,000 non-citizens from various countries.
A final removal order, issued by an immigration judge, becomes binding once affirmed by an appellate authority. ICE has identified India as one of 15 "uncooperative" nations, citing reluctance to accept deported nationals. This designation includes delays in removal proceedings, refusal to conduct consular interviews, and resistance to accepting deportees via charter flights.
Non-citizens can appeal removal orders to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Even when a final order is upheld, deportations may not occur due to protective provisions under the Convention Against Torture or established risks of persecution in their home countries.
The deportation of Indians from the US has surged dramatically, rising from 292 in 2021 to 1,529 in 2024, according to ICE's annual report. However, data discrepancies remain. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Lok Sabha that 519 Indians were deported between November 2023 and October 2024. In contrast, the Department of Homeland Security reported 1,100 deportations during the same period, including voluntary departures and withdrawals.
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Over 105 flights cancelled, more than 450 services delayed due to fog at Delhi airport
New Delhi (PTI): More than 105 flights were cancelled and over 450 services delayed due to low-visibility conditions amid fog at the Delhi airport on Sunday.
An official said at least 55 arrivals and 52 departures were cancelled at the airport.
According to latest information available on flight tracking website Flightradar24.com, more than 450 flights were delayed and the average delay time was around 36 minutes for departures at the airport.
In a post on X in the evening, Delhi airport operator DIAL said operations are running smoothly.
DIAL operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), the country's largest airport that generally handles around 1,300 flights daily.
Flight operations have been disrupted for the past many days in Delhi and other airports due to dense fog.
