According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2021, there were an estimated approximately 1.3 million unauthorized Indian immigrants living in the U.S. This number includes individuals who entered the U.S. without proper documentation or overstayed their visas. India is one of the top countries of origin for unauthorized immigrants in the U.S.
BY PC Bureau
Millions of Indian nationals illegally residing in the United States will likely face increased uncertainty after President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday his intention to declare a national emergency and deploy military resources to carry out his ambitious mass deportation plans.
The announcement came after conservative activist Tom Fitton claimed earlier this month that Trump was “prepared to declare a national emergency and will use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.” Trump further reinforced Fitton’s statement by reposting it with the emphatic comment, “TRUE!!!”
Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to enforce mass deportations could have significant consequences for Indian nationals in the U.S. The prospect of heightened immigration enforcement may increase the vulnerability of undocumented Indian migrants, particularly those who have overstayed their visas or are caught in legal gray areas. With the U.S. military potentially involved in enforcement, India may need to strengthen its consular services to support and protect its citizens facing deportation or legal challenges. Moreover, these developments could spark new discussions in India about the migration of its citizens abroad and how to safeguard their rights in light of shifting U.S. immigration policies.
While it is difficult to track the exact number of Indian nationals residing illegally in the U.S., estimates suggest that around 1.3 million unauthorized Indian immigrants were living in the country as of 2021, according to the Pew Research Center. This number includes individuals who entered the U.S. without proper documentation or overstayed their visas, making India one of the top countries of origin for unauthorized immigrants.
Key Statistics on Indian Immigrants in the U.S.:
- In FY 2023, U.S. authorities apprehended 96,917 illegal Indian immigrants.
- Over 160,000 Indian nationals have been deported since June 2024.
Despite these numbers, the actual number of unauthorized Indian immigrants is likely higher, as many remain unaccounted for. India is now the third-largest source country for undocumented immigrants in the U.S., trailing only Mexico and El Salvador, as noted by the Pew Research Center.
Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly promised a “mass deportation” program targeting immigrants who have violated U.S. laws. However, critics argue that the initiative is confusing the distinction between border enforcement and domestic deportations. “The Trump world has been very deliberately—or sloppily, depending on your point of view—mashing together the border and mass deportations,” said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council.
While multiple administrations have used the U.S. military for border enforcement, legal experts caution that U.S. law strictly limits the president’s ability to use military forces for domestic policing. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, such actions could face significant legal challenges.
This is not the first time Trump has invoked a migration-related national emergency. During his first term, Trump used the National Emergencies Act to redirect billions in military construction funds to erect a 30-foot steel fence along portions of the U.S.-Mexico border. The initiative resulted in more than 400 miles of border barriers—largely replacing existing fencing—but faced legal challenges from Congress, environmental groups, and immigrant advocates. These cases were resolved after Trump left office and the Biden administration halted construction.
Supporters of Trump’s hardline immigration stance view his re-election as a mandate to fulfill his promises, including deporting migrant criminals. “Voters re-elected Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals,” said Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the Trump-Vance transition. “He will deliver.”
However, Trump’s immigration focus comes at a time when migration at the U.S.-Mexico border has significantly decreased. U.S. Border Patrol reported a sharp drop in migrant encounters—from over 200,000 per month late last year to fewer than 60,000 in July, August, and September. These are the lowest levels since Trump’s first term. By contrast, migration surged to record highs during the Biden administration, driven by pent-up demand for job opportunities following the global pandemic.
Trump’s renewed proposal reignites debates over immigration policy, legal limits on presidential power, and the broader implications of deploying the military to enforce domestic law. The coming months will likely determine whether his controversial plans can withstand legal scrutiny and public opposition.
