RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.510
TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2017
ILLEGAL MIGRANTS IN USA
†510. SHRI PRABHAT JHA:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the proposal to exempt the illegal migrants residing in United States of America (USA) has been cancelled by the American a
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether a large number of Indians would have to come back due to this;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether Prime Minister discussed this issue with President of USA during his recent visit there; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) & (b) President Trump issued an Executive Order titled "Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States” dated 25 January 2017 which inter alia "directs agencies to employ all lawful means to ensure the faithful execution of the immigration
laws of the United States against all removable aliens”. Subsequently, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued two Implementation Memorandums dated 20 February 2017 which inter alia instructs all DHS personnel to "initiate enforcement actions against
removable aliens encountered during the performance of their official duties.” Those who have been involved in any criminal conduct or pose a risk to public safety or national security have been prioritized for arrest and removal by the US Government. Exemption
granted to undocumented immigrants who entered the country as minors has not been impacted so far.
(c) & (d) The Government remains closely engaged with the U.S. Government on all issues relating to safety and welfare of Indian Diaspora in the U.S. There are no authoritative figures on the number of undocumented Indian immigrants in the U.S. GOI does not
encourage illegal migration of Indian citizens into other countries. From time to time, Indian Embassy and Consulates in the US, facilitate repatriation of undocumented Indian immigrants after their nationality verification. Since 2014, 702 undocumented Indian
nationals have been issued travel documents to enable their safe return to India.
(e) & (f) Issues relating to the welfare of the Indian Diaspora in the United States are constantly under discussion between the two Governments. During Prime Minister’s talks with President Trump, both leaders agreed to work towards strengthening people-to-people
links.
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