MEA Details Deportation Figures: 2,273 Indians Returned from US Since Jan 2026

During a regular media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs disclosed that, as of July 31, a total of 2,273 Indian nationals have been sent back from the United States in 2026. The ministry’s spokesperson Ranveer Jaiswal compared the current figure with the previous year’s tally of 3,567 deportations. Jaiswal explained that the MEA works closely with overseas governments on each deportation case, conducting comprehensive investigations to confirm the individual’s Indian citizenship before arranging travel back to India. "We only move forward with repatriation once we are absolutely certain of the person’s nationality," he said. The ministry reiterated India’s firm position against illegal migration and its commitment to fostering legal migration avenues. It also stressed that any individual lacking a valid residency permit abroad is subject to document verification and background checks prior to being taken back. In the United States, immigration rules are tightening. The White House recently defended a $100,000 H‑1B visa fee advocated by President Trump, despite a federal judge labeling the fee an unlawful tax. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers asserted that the president possesses the clear legal authority to limit the entry of foreign workers who are not deemed to serve American interests and expressed optimism that the upcoming appeal will reverse the court’s decision.