India to Take Back 18,000 Illegal Immigrants From the US to Prevent Trade Tensions

As per news reports, India plans to repatriate 18,000 illegal migrants from the US in line with President Trump’s immigration policies, signalling its willingness to cooperate with the new administration and mitigate potential trade tensions.

How Many Illegal Indian Migrants Are There?

Around 18,000 Indian nationals living unlawfully in the US have been identified, though estimates suggest the actual number may be higher. A 2022 report estimated approximately 2,20,000 unauthorised Indian immigrants, as per news reports.

In addition to addressing illegal migration, India aims to foster smoother economic relations with the US, reducing the risk of trade tensions that could harm its economic interests, including concerns over high import taxes.

What’s Next for Legal Immigration?

India’s proactive approach aims to safeguard its international labour agreements, especially given its recent partnerships with countries like Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, offering essential job opportunities for its citizens.

Indian IT Sector’s Dependence on H-1B Visas

According to data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The period from April to September 2024 saw 1.3 lakh H-1B visas issued, with Indian-origin companies being major beneficiaries, particularly in the tech sector.

Infosys emerged as the leader among these companies, securing 8,140 H-1B visas, followed by Tata Consultancy Services with 5,274. HCL America and Cognizant also had significant numbers, with 2,953 and 6,321 visas, respectively. The largest recipient overall was Amazon Com Services, which topped the list with 9,265 visas.

Meanwhile, Wipro has consistently ranked among the top employers for H-1B visa holders, securing 1,634 visas in 2024. Tech Mahindra also saw strong participation with 1,199 visas, reinforcing the influence of Indian firms in the US tech labour market.

India hopes that easing tensions over illegal migration will help maintain and even expand legal immigration options for its citizens, particularly those seeking work or educational opportunities in the US.

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