US deports 48 students without any justification, India seeks clarity

US deports 48 students from India: In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the number of Indian students choosing to pursue higher education in the United States. This trend has significantly benefited American universities, which have seen a substantial increase in enrollment from India. However, this positive development is accompanied by a concerning issue.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs recently disclosed that 48 Indian students were deported from the United States over the past three years. This revelation has raised questions and concerns among students, parents, and policymakers alike. The lack of specific reasons for these deportations has added to the anxiety and uncertainty faced by the affected students and their families.

The issue was brought to the forefront when BK Parthasarathi, a Member of Parliament from the Telugu Desam Party representing the Hindupur constituency in Andhra Pradesh, posed a question to the External Affairs Minister during a session in the Lok Sabha. Parthasarathi sought clarity on the reasons behind the deportations and the measures being taken to address the issue.

In response, Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that the United States does not officially share the reasons for deporting students. He suggested that several factors could potentially lead to the termination of a student’s visa and subsequent deportation. These factors include unauthorized employment, unauthorized withdrawal from classes, expulsion or suspension from the educational institution, and failure to report Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment. Such violations can result in a student’s visa being terminated, leading to their unlawful presence in the US and eventual deportation.

The lack of transparency regarding the reasons for deportation has left many students and their families in a state of uncertainty. It has also raised concerns about the need for better communication and cooperation between the Indian and US governments to ensure the fair treatment of Indian students studying abroad.

Addressing Illegal Indian Migrants Worldwide

In addition to addressing the issue of deportations, Parthasarathi also raised questions about the presence of Indian migrants illegally residing in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States. He inquired whether the Indian government had any data on the number of illegal Indian migrants scattered across the globe.

In response, Singh acknowledged that the Government of India does not have specific data on illegal Indian migrants worldwide. However, he emphasized that the Indian government is actively engaged with the US government to nurture strong people-to-people ties and facilitate the legal mobility of students and skilled professionals. Singh highlighted the efforts of both central and state governments in creating awareness about safe and legal migration practices.

The Indian government is also taking necessary actions against individuals and networks involved in illegal migration. The Ministry of External Affairs’ official website reiterated that the government does not possess data on illegal Indian migrants but is committed to addressing the issue through diplomatic and legal channels.

The increasing number of Indian students choosing to study in the US underscores the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being while abroad. It also highlights the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between India and the United States to address the challenges faced by students and migrants. As the Indian government works to strengthen its ties with the US, it remains committed to protecting the interests of its citizens and promoting legal and safe migration practices.

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