During a recent parliamentary session, Dr. John Brittas, MP, raised a pressing concern regarding the plight of over 7 lakh Indians who face the possibility of deportation from the United States. This revelation, tied to stricter immigration policies and enforcement under the U.S. administration, has significant implications for India's diaspora and bilateral relations between the two nations.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies
Dr. Brittas pointed to increasingly stringent immigration measures that have left thousands of Indian families in limbo. These include delays in green card processing, the expiration of H-1B visas, and the tightening of asylum and work permit rules. Many Indians, particularly skilled professionals and students, have been affected.
“The United States has been a land of opportunity for millions of Indians, contributing to its tech, healthcare, and research sectors. Yet, today, policies aimed at tightening borders are unfairly targeting these contributors, threatening their livelihoods and their families,” Brittas stated.
He cited policies initiated during the Trump administration that continue to reverberate under the current government, leaving many Indians without recourse to legal residency or extensions of their visas.
The Domino Effect on Families
Brittas stressed the human cost of such deportations. Families who have lived in the U.S. for decades, often with children born there, now face the uncertainty of uprooting their lives and returning to India under adverse circumstances.
“Children who are U.S. citizens by birth are being forced into a state of uncertainty. Parents on H-1B visas, awaiting green cards for years, are being told to leave,” he said, urging the government to step in and provide diplomatic support to these families.
Economic Ramifications
The potential deportation of such a large number of skilled professionals would also have economic consequences for India. Many of these individuals are employed in critical industries like technology, medicine, and academia, where they contribute both to the U.S. economy and through remittances to India.
Brittas warned that the sudden influx of returnees could strain India’s already competitive job market. “Are we prepared to absorb these highly skilled individuals, many of whom will return without jobs or financial security?” he asked.
India’s Diplomatic Response
Calling for immediate action, Brittas urged the Indian government to engage in high-level diplomacy with the United States. He criticized the lack of a robust strategy to address the issue, questioning whether the administration had taken any steps to negotiate the matter with its American counterparts.
“We pride ourselves on our strategic partnership with the U.S., yet we have no plan for the 7 lakh Indians who are now at risk. Where is the strategy? Where is the diplomacy?” he said.
He also highlighted the stark contrast between the U.S. stance on immigration and its increasing reliance on Indian talent in sectors like IT and artificial intelligence.
Call for Policy Reforms
Dr. Brittas called for a dual approach: advocating for U.S. policy reforms that would allow for smoother visa transitions and addressing systemic delays in green card processing. He also suggested creating a framework within India to support returnees, including skill utilization programs and employment opportunities.
“While we must hold the U.S. accountable, we also need to prepare for the worst. These are not just statistics; these are our people, and we must ensure they are welcomed back with dignity and opportunities,” he said.
A Broader Issue of Global Migration
Brittas contextualized the issue as part of a broader global trend of nations tightening their immigration policies amidst economic uncertainty and rising nationalism. He noted that Indians are among the most affected due to their significant presence in global labor markets.
He concluded his speech by reiterating the need for the Indian government to take proactive measures. “The diaspora has always been a source of pride for our nation. It is time we stood up for them in their hour of need,” he said.
The parliament session saw widespread support from opposition leaders, while the government promised to take the matter under advisement. However, the urgency of the issue demands concrete action to safeguard the future of thousands of Indian families at risk.
