Over 1,080 Indians Deported by Trump in 2025

India confirms close cooperation with the U.S. on deportation of illegal Indian migrants. Over 1,000 Indians deported in 2025. Meanwhile, new U.S. visa restrictions raise concerns for Indian students.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that India maintains close cooperation with the United States on migration-related matters, particularly the deportation of Indian nationals who are living in the U.S. illegally or have entered the country without valid documentation.

Since January 2025, approximately 1,080 Indians deported from the United States. Notably, about 62 percent of these individuals returned via commercial flights, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

“We have close cooperation between India and the United States on migration issues and on the deportation of Indian nationals who are in illegal status or who have traveled illegally,” said Mr. Jaiswal at a weekly press briefing. “We take them back once we receive the requisite details from the U.S. authorities.”

This figure highlights an ongoing trend of unauthorized migration from India to the United States, often involving perilous routes through Latin America and the U.S.-Mexico border. In recent years, Indian nationals have been among the growing number of migrants detained by U.S. immigration authorities, particularly in border states like Texas and Arizona.

Concerns Over U.S. Student Visa Policies

The MEA also addressed growing concerns among Indian students regarding new developments in U.S. immigration policy. Mr. Jaiswal responded to a question on the current controversy involving the Trump administration and Harvard University, emphasizing that the welfare of Indian students abroad remains a top priority for the Indian government.

“While we recognize that visa issuance is a sovereign function of the United States, we hope that Indian student applications will be assessed based on merit, and that students will be able to commence their academic programs on schedule,” he added.

This reassurance comes amidst a major policy shift announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to a diplomatic cable obtained by Politico, U.S. embassies have been ordered to halt the scheduling of new interviews for student visa applicants. The directive is tied to the Trump administration’s move to increase screening procedures, particularly regarding the social media activity of visa applicants.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued,” the cable reads. The term “septel” refers to a separate telegram to follow with more detailed instructions.

This sudden freeze in student visa processing could disrupt the plans of thousands of international students, especially from countries like India, which sends the second-highest number of students to the United States, after China.

Background and Implications

According to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Indians accounted for more than 13,000 encounters at the U.S. southern border in fiscal year 2023, a dramatic increase from previous years. Many of these individuals attempt to claim asylum after entering illegally.

On the education front, the U.S. hosts more than 268,000 Indian students, as per the Open Doors Report 2024. These students contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy and form a key part of the people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Indian officials are monitoring both migration and visa developments closely, especially in light of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, which could further influence immigration policy.

The MEA reiterated its commitment to working with U.S. authorities on resolving migration challenges and ensuring that Indian nationals—whether students or migrants—are treated fairly and with dignity.