LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3553
TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.08.2018
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
†3553. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Indians in America are being seen suspiciously as a rapidly increasing community of illegal immigrants;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any study to find out the rate of increase in the number of illegal Indian immigrants in America;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to preserve the image of the country?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) & (b) There are no authoritative figures on the number of undocumented Indian immigrants in the U.S. The U.S. Government does not release a comprehensive list, by nationality, of aliens detained for entering or staying in the U.S. without valid documents.
The entrepreneurship and innovation of Indians and Indian-Americans has directly benefitted both nations. Indian skilled professionals have contributed to the growth and development of the U.S. economy and have helped the U.S. retain its competitive edge and
innovation advantage. In our engagements with the U.S. side, we have emphasized that this has been a mutually-beneficial partnership which should be nurtured.
(c) No.
(d) Does not arise.
(e) The Government does not encourage illegal migration of Indian citizens into other countries. From time to time, our Embassy and Consulates in the U.S. facilitate repatriation of undocumented Indian immigrants after their nationality verification.
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