Incident details: The US deported 1,703 Indian nationals, including 1,562 men and 141 women, during the first seven months of 2025 (January 20 to July 22). According to official data, the highest number of deportees were from Punjab (620), followed by Haryana (604), Gujarat (245), and Jammu and Kashmir (10). The provinces of origin of six individuals could not be identified. These figures were presented in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Friday. He said that 5,541 Indians were deported from the US in the last five years (2020-2024), while 311 were deported from the UK during the same period and 131 so far in 2025. Deportation process: The deportation process was carried out in various ways. The minister said that in February, 333 Indians were deported by US Customs and Border Protection military ships. In March, 231 people were deported by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) chartered ships, while in July, 300 people were brought back by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chartered ships. In addition, 767 people were 72 people were deported individually or in small groups from the US on commercial flights and 72 from Panama on commercial flights. The process was not only technically complex but also fraught with human aspects. Many deportees chose the dangerous routes known as the “Dunky Route” through illegal agents in exchange for their savings and loans, which passes through Latin America and often proves fatal. An X-Post shared the story of one victim: “I left Punjab dreaming of a better life in America, but returned in handcuffs and chains. The agents took lakhs of rupees and left us to die.” State breakdown: The deportation figures show that people from Punjab and Haryana top the list. 620 people were deported from Punjab, 604 from Haryana, and 245 from Gujarat. There are 10 people from Jammu and Kashmir, while other states like Uttar Pradesh (38), Goa (26), Maharashtra (20), Delhi (20), Telangana (19), Tamil Nadu (17), Andhra Pradesh (12), Uttarakhand (12), Himachal Pradesh (10), Kerala (8), People from Chandigarh (8), Madhya Pradesh (7), Rajasthan (7), West Bengal (6), Karnataka (5), Odisha (1), Bihar (1), and Jharkhand (1) are also included. The identity of six people was recorded as “unknown”. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, 66% of asylum seekers in the US from 2001 to 2022 were Punjabi speakers, while 14% were Hindi, 8% English, and 7% Gujarati speakers. The number of refugees from Punjab and Haryana increased sharply after 2016, indicating a growing trend of illegal migration. Human rights and diplomatic measures: DMK MP Kanimozhi raised a question in the Lok Sabha whether the Indian government has taken any diplomatic measures for humane treatment and better coordination of deported citizens. In response, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said that the Indian government is in constant touch with the US authorities. They strongly objected to the use of handcuffs and chains, especially on women and children, and spoke with US officials to protect religious and cultural sensitivities, such as turbans and dietary preferences. A The important point is that no formal complaint of mistreatment of deportees has been received on any flight since February 5, 2025. The minister further said that Indian students and expatriates are facing visa-related challenges, for which the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has contacted the US Embassy and the State Department. US officials attributed the visa delay to stringent security requirements, but now visa appointments have resumed. Socio-political response: These deportation incidents have sparked a political debate in India. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann questioned the landing of US flights at Amritsar airport and called it a conspiracy to defame Punjab. He said: “Why are these flights landing only in Amritsar? Does the central government want to defame Punjab?” Congress leader Manish Tewari and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Gulzar Singh Ranike also called this act a conspiracy against Punjab. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee strongly objected to the removal of turbans of Sikh deportees. Background of Illegal Migration: Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat There is a long history of illegal migration from. According to research by Johns Hopkins University, Punjab and Gujarat are among the relatively prosperous provinces of India, from where migrants try to reach the US through the expensive “Dunki route”. This route passes through the jungles, seas, and borders of Latin America, which costs between Rs 40 and 60 lakh. Many migrants make the journey by taking loans or selling land, but in case of failure, they have to return in handcuffs and humiliation. One X user commented on the situation and wrote: “The youth of Punjab risk everything in the dream of a better life, but the agents cheat them. This is a national tragedy.” Source: Aaj Tak: New Indian Express: The Hindu: Tribune India: Siasat.com: Business Standard: X Posts: