WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The return of former President Donald Trump to the White House has put millions of undocumented immigrants, including over 700,000 Indians, on high alert. With Trump pledging a renewed and aggressive stance on illegal immigration, concerns have grown among those living in the United States without proper documentation.
The Trump administration has promised to increase deportations and improve border security. On his first day in office, Trump declared a national emergency over what he termed an “unprecedented flood of illegal aliens,” emphasizing that his government would focus on the removal of those with criminal records and those who have already been ordered for deportation. The policy change is expected to speed up the deportation process, which is in stark contrast to the more lenient approach of the Biden administration.
In 2024, Indians stand out as the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants in the US after Mexicans and Salvadorans. As per data on deportations around the world during fiscal year 2024, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, deported 1,500 Indians as part of a record 270,000 deportations worldwide. With immigration has become increasingly fraught with uncertainty in states such as Florida, Texas, and New York, for many, prospects seem precarious.
Moreover, pressure is building on Indian nationals holding H-1B visas, which constitute a large share of this category. The Trump administration has indicated plans to crack down on undocumented immigrants but also on legal visa holders, forcing thousands of hopefuls into a cauldron of tension about working or staying in the country.
As the situation continues to unravel, many immigrants are looking for legal protection while communities prepare for what may turn out to be an unprecedented immigration enforcement campaign.