Modi and Trump Find Common Ground on Immigration Policy

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Key Takeaways

In February 2025, 104 Indian nationals were deported from the U.S., sparking criticism over inhumane treatment during their return.
Approximately 18,000 Indian nationals in the U.S. are identified for potential deportation, with ongoing discussions on humane repatriation and reintegration.
Modi and Trump commit to dismantling human trafficking networks while enforcing strict illegal migration laws during a February 2025 press conference.

The shared approach to immigration policies by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 🇮🇳 and U.S. President Donald Trump 🇺🇸 reveals a clear alignment in addressing illegal migration and strengthening border controls. Over recent years, this partnership has led to noteworthy actions, shaped global discussions, and sparked debates at home and abroad. The joint efforts between India and the United States have not only emphasized upholding migration laws but also highlighted the intricate challenges and responsibilities associated with managing cross-border movements.

Deportation of Indian Nationals: A Pivotal Moment

Modi and Trump Find Common Ground on Immigration Policy

One of the most striking events in this partnership occurred in February 2025 when a U.S. military aircraft deported 104 Indian nationals who had entered the United States unlawfully. These individuals landed in Amritsar, Punjab, marking a powerful statement on the shared resolve of these two nations to address illegal migration. This deportation aligned with President Trump’s focus on enforcing immigration laws and sending undocumented individuals back to their home countries.

However, the return of these individuals was met with backlash within India. Reports that some deportees were handcuffed and shackled during their trip raised questions about human dignity and triggered widespread criticism. Opposition lawmakers and advocacy groups voiced concerns over the treatment of the deportees, forcing a response from India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. In Parliament, he assured that efforts were underway to ensure fairer treatment of deportees in the future and that discussions with U.S. authorities had been launched to prevent similar incidents.

Joint Commitments to Tackle Illegal Migration

The deportation operation was not an isolated event but part of broader commitments between the two leaders. On February 13, 2025, Modi and Trump stood together during a joint press conference at the White House and made their position on illegal migration abundantly clear. Modi candidly stated that individuals entering foreign countries illegally “have absolutely no right to be in that country,” reinforcing the idea that such actions violate sovereignty and the rule of law.

Additionally, the two leaders highlighted the importance of dismantling human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable individuals. These networks, both a cause and consequence of illegal migration, play a central role in facilitating it. Modi stressed the need for global cooperation to break up these trafficking ecosystems, a sentiment echoed by President Trump. The pair shared a commitment to not only enforce migration laws but to also address the root causes of illegal migration by cracking down on those who profit from human trafficking.

Further affirming this partnership, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar met in January 2025 to advance their collaboration. This meeting focused on identifying Indian nationals living illegally within the United States. Approximately 18,000 Indian nationals were identified for potential deportation. Discussions also covered strategies for their repatriation and reintegration back into India. Rubio reiterated that while economic ties between the U.S. and India remain strong, maintaining lawful migration processes and addressing security concerns are equally important pillars of their bilateral relationship.

Shifts in U.S. Immigration Policy Under Trump

President Trump’s approach to immigration has consistently aimed at tightening controls and removing undocumented individuals from the United States. His administration introduced several policy changes in March 2025 that further strengthened U.S. immigration enforcement:

Information Sharing for Migrant Minors’ Sponsors: New measures allowed the Office for Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to share sponsor information with law enforcement. Trump’s administration claimed this would discourage unlawful migration by holding sponsors accountable. However, critics argued it could deter families from stepping forward to care for unaccompanied minors due to fear of legal repercussions.
Temporary Protected Status Revoked: Earlier, on March 21, 2025, about 530,000 individuals from countries including Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela saw their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) revoked. This meant they were at risk of deportation. The administration justified this move by citing adherence to immigration laws and safeguarding national security. Nevertheless, humanitarian groups criticized it as a threat to vulnerable populations.
Judicial Limitations: On March 28, 2025, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy blocked an effort to expedite deportation to third-party countries without fully assessing claims of persecution or torture. The ruling showcased the tension between enforcing immigration reforms quickly and upholding human rights.

These policy adjustments reflect Trump’s ongoing commitment to enforce stricter immigration laws domestically while demonstrating his administration’s seriousness in collaborating with other countries, including India 🇮🇳.

In India, Modi’s alignment with the U.S. on deportation policies has not gone unnoticed. While it reflects India’s acceptance of global responsibilities in managing its citizens who migrate unlawfully, it has also ignited internal debates. Especially in regions like Punjab, which has substantial links to Indian diasporas abroad, the reintegration of deported individuals poses economic and social challenges. Questions have been raised about how prepared India is to provide livelihood opportunities and support systems for the returnees.

Opponents of Modi’s policies have pointed to inadequate oversight and the lack of safeguards to ensure deportations are conducted humanely. Advocates argue that while collaborating with the U.S. is necessary, it must not come at the cost of individuals’ dignity and well-being.

Global Ramifications and Lessons Learned

The Modi-Trump collaboration is more than an alliance between two nations; it sets a broader precedent in global migration management. By working together to repatriate undocumented migrants and dismantle human trafficking networks, India and the United States have created a model that other countries can emulate. These efforts address both the immediate challenges of illegal migration and its underlying causes.

However, the initiatives have also drawn criticism for their perceived lack of compassion and fairness. The reports of mistreatment during deportations and the cancellation of protections like TPS indicate that enforcement alone cannot solve the migration crisis. Global migration management must also consider human dignity, humanitarian needs, and socio-economic root causes.

The Challenges Ahead

Even with shared goals, significant hurdles remain for both Modi 🇮🇳 and Trump 🇺🇸 in their pursuit of stricter immigration controls. First, ensuring the humane treatment of deportees is critical. Allegations of degrading treatment, as raised following the deportation of Indian nationals, have the potential to undermine the credibility of these policies. Similarly, Trump’s domestic immigration reforms face courts’ scrutiny, often delaying or temporarily pausing their enforcement.

For India, reintegrating deportees remains a pressing concern. With more individuals potentially set for deportation, the Indian government must prepare economically and socially to reabsorb them. Failure to do so not only fuels political criticism but also negatively impacts affected communities.

Both countries must turn their attention towards dismantling illegal human trafficking networks. These networks not only facilitate unlawful migration but also result in the exploitation of their victims. Encouraging global accountability in addressing these networks will be key.

Conclusion

The partnership between Modi and Trump on immigration matters reflects a shared commitment to tackling illegal migration and improving border security. The coordinated steps, including the deportation of undocumented Indian nationals and efforts to shut down human trafficking, highlight the evolving landscape of U.S.-India relations.

However, these measures have stirred domestic and global controversy due to concerns over human rights and fair treatment. As this collaboration moves forward, policymakers in both countries must balance enforcement with ethical considerations, find solutions for reintegration, and prioritize addressing the root causes of migration.

By focusing on these complex issues, Modi and Trump can create a sustainable framework for responsible migration management. The lessons drawn from this collaboration will not only shape India-U.S. relations but may also influence how countries worldwide take on the challenges of illegal migration and human trafficking. For further details on policies affecting migration, resources from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs provide official updates integral to policymaking.

Learn Today

Deportation → The removal of individuals from a country, typically after entering or staying without legal authorization.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → U.S. immigration designation allowing nationals of certain countries to stay temporarily due to unsafe conditions at home.
Human Trafficking → The illegal trade of persons for exploitation, including forced labor or sexual activities, often linked with migration issues.
Undocumented Individuals → People residing in a country without official authorization or valid legal documentation.
Repatriation → Process of returning individuals to their country of origin, often following deportation or voluntary migration decisions.

This Article in a Nutshell

Modi-Trump Alliance on Immigration: A Global Precedent

Indian PM Modi and U.S. President Trump’s shared approach to illegal migration reshaped global policies. Their collaboration tackled border enforcement, deportations, and human trafficking. Yet, criticisms arose over human rights concerns and reintegration challenges. This partnership underscores balancing migration control with ethical responsibility, offering lessons for nations worldwide in managing migration.