U.S deports 48 students in the last three years, India demands explanation

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh

The United States of America has deported at least 48 Indian students back to their home country without any explanation, the External Affairs Ministry of India recently reported. The information was shared by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh in Parliament on July 26 (Friday) while responding to a question.

Minister Singh was responding to a query by BK Parthasarathi as the latter asked External Affairs ministry for the number of students deported by the USA during the last three years to explain the ground for their deportation.

The development comes amid a growing trend among Indian students migrating abroad to various countries for education purposes with the US being one of the prioritised locations on their list.

Further, BK Parthasarathi inquired whether the Indian government had any data on illegal migrants worldwide, particularly in the US, and if so, what remedial actions had been taken. This was reported by the official website of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

In response, Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Lok Sabha that U.S. authorities have not officially shared any reasons for the deportation of Indian students with the Indian government. However, he cited potential reasons for deportation, including “unauthorized employment, unapproved withdrawal from classes, expulsion and suspension, and failure to report Optional Practical Training (OPT) employments.” These violations can result in the termination of student visas, rendering their stay illegal.

Addressing further questions, Singh stated that the Government of India is actively engaged with the U.S. Government to foster strong people-to-people ties and facilitate the legal mobility of students and skilled professionals.

Additionally, the Central and State governments have been working to create awareness about safe and legal migration. Government are also taking necessary action against all those involved in illegal migration networks.