United States, February 19:
The Trump administration is intensifying its crackdown on illegal immigrants in the United States, with hundreds of Indian nationals already deported. So far, 332 Indians have been sent back on different dates, with Punjabis making up the largest group—128 individuals.
The latest developments have sparked concern among the Indian community, especially families of those residing in the US. Reports suggest that not just a few hundred, but nearly 1.4 million Punjabis could now be at risk of deportation.
In a sudden move, US President Donald Trump dismissed 20 immigration judges without prior notice. This decision has created uncertainty for around 3.5 million individuals awaiting asylum decisions. The removal of these judges is expected to further delay pending cases, increasing the risk of deportation for approximately 1.4 million Punjabis living in the US. According to US-based Punjabi community leader Rana Tut, this situation could severely impact Punjabi youth seeking opportunities in America.
Delays in Immigration Courts and Punjabi Representation
The US immigration court system is already overburdened with pending cases, leading to years-long delays in legal proceedings. According to veteran writer Balwinder Singh Bajwa, who has been closely monitoring immigration issues, nearly 40% of these pending cases involve individuals of Punjabi origin. The growing backlog raises concerns that many of them could face deportation. In June 2024, a proposal was made to grant legal status to 500,000 undocumented immigrants. However, the immigration judges dismissed by the Trump administration were originally appointed to help streamline such cases.
Trump Administration’s Stance on Immigration
Under Trump’s leadership, immigration policies have become increasingly stringent. His administration has pressured immigration judges to expedite cases. Last month, the Department of Justice also cut funding for non-governmental organizations that provide legal assistance to immigrants facing deportation. This move aligns with Trump’s broader agenda, which prioritizes mass deportation and reducing the size of the federal government.
Impact on Canada’s Immigration System
The effects of these immigration changes are not limited to the US. Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a 25% reduction in staff over the next three years, despite a backlog of 2.2 million applications. This is expected to slow down the permanent residency (PR) process in Canada as well.
Delays in the Immigration System – A Growing Concern
Rana Tut, a prominent member of the Punjabi diaspora in the US, stated that the backlog in immigration courts has led to an increase in undocumented immigrants. Due to long waiting periods, many individuals establish themselves within their communities, making deportation even more distressing. The slow immigration process is expected to negatively impact thousands of Punjabi youth seeking stability in the US.
Recent Deportations of Indian Nationals from the US
- February 5: 104 Indians deported, including 30 Punjabis
- February 15: 116 Indians deported, including 67 Punjabis
- February 16: 112 Indians deported, including 31 Punjabis
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