Over 1,700 Indians Deported from the US: What You Need to Know

In a recent report, it was revealed that 1,703 Indian nationals were deported from the United States between January and July 2025. The Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, addressed concerns regarding the treatment of deportees, particularly the use of shackles on women and children. The government is actively monitoring the situation of Indian students facing visa challenges and has raised these issues with US authorities. Emergency support is being provided to affected individuals through the Indian Community Welfare Fund. Read on for more insights into this pressing issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 17:26 IST

Significant Deportations of Indian Nationals

New Delhi: According to Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, a total of 1,703 Indian citizens were deported from the United States between January 20 and July 22, 2025, as revealed in a Lok Sabha response on Friday.

Among those deported, 1,562 were men and 141 were women, with the majority hailing from states such as Punjab (620), Haryana (604), Gujarat (245), and Uttar Pradesh (38).

The deportation process involved various methods, including military flights operated by US Customs and Border Protection, chartered flights arranged by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and charters from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Additionally, some individuals were sent back via commercial flights from both Panama and the US.

In a written statement to MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Singh confirmed that the Indian government has raised concerns with US authorities regarding the treatment of deportees. He emphasized that the Ministry has formally expressed its worries about the treatment of deportees, particularly regarding the use of shackles on women and children.

Specific concerns were highlighted about the shackling of women and children, as well as cultural sensitivities related to turbans and dietary needs. Notably, no complaints have been reported since February 5, 2025.

Regarding student visa challenges, the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged receiving numerous complaints about delays and issues in securing F, M, and J category US visas. The Ministry has addressed these concerns with the US Embassy and the Department of State, which cited heightened security protocols affecting visa processing but confirmed that appointments have resumed.

Efforts are being made to prioritize appointments for the physician category and to open additional slots ahead of the academic year.

The government continues to keep track of the situation for Indian students and migrants in the US through its missions, with dedicated officers and the MADAD portal available for real-time grievance resolution.

Emergency assistance is also being provided through the Indian Community Welfare Fund.