India Always Open To Legitimate Return Of Illegal Indian Immigrants, Says Jaishankar

New York: Amid Trump’s crackdown on immigrants, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday New Delhi had always been open to the “legitimate return” of undocumented Indian immigrants to their home country.

The minister also reportedly stated that government was still in the process of verifying those from the US who could be deported to India. The minister stated that India had not determined a number yet.

“As a government, we are obviously very much supportive of legal mobility because we do believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and Indian skills to have the maximum opportunity at the global level. At the same time, we are also very firmly opposed to illegal mobility and illegal migration,” Jaishankar said.

The minister opined that illegal immigration could be linked to other illegal activities, which affect the reputation of the country.

According to various media reports, India was working with US President Donald Trump’s administration to deport 1,80,000 Indians in the US. Reports claimed that such Indians were either undocumented, or had overstayed their visas.

“This position is not unique to the United States. I do understand that right now there is a certain debate going on, and a resulting sensitivity which is there, but we have been consistent, we have been very principled about it and that remains our position. I conveyed that clearly to Secretary (of State, Marco) Rubio,” said Jaishankar on the Trump administrations’ crackdown on immigration.

During bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the minister said he had mentioned that it was in the mutual interest of both the countries to find solutions to legally aid mobility.