Pb govt to receive those deported: Official on reports of US plane with migrants to land in Amritsar

Chandigarh, Feb 4 (PTI) – Amid reports that a US military aircraft carrying around 200 deported Indian immigrants will land at Amritsar airport on Wednesday, Punjab authorities have confirmed they are prepared to receive them.

According to sources, a US C-17 military aircraft is expected to arrive with 205 illegal immigrants, primarily from Punjab and neighboring states. These individuals had entered the US through unauthorized channels, such as the "donkey route", spending significant sums of money but now face deportation due to stricter immigration policies.

Punjab Govt’s Response​

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed on Tuesday that the matter was discussed in a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

"The Punjab government will ensure that our people are received properly. Counters will be set up to facilitate their arrival," Yadav stated, adding that state officials are coordinating with the Centre for further updates.

The meeting, attended by senior Punjab Police officers, also covered other pressing issues in the state.

Minister Criticizes US Deportation Policy​

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal expressed disappointment over the US decision to deport these individuals.

"Many of them contributed to the US economy and should have been granted permanent residency instead of facing deportation," he remarked in an official statement issued from Amritsar.

Dhaliwal further noted that some of the deported individuals initially entered the US with legal work permits, which later expired, rendering them undocumented.

He announced plans to meet India's External Affairs Minister next week to discuss the concerns of Punjabis residing in the US and advocate for their interests.

Appeal Against Illegal Immigration​

The minister also urged Punjabis to avoid illegal migration routes, emphasizing the importance of skill development and education to secure legal work opportunities abroad.

The deportation comes as a consequence of tightened immigration policies in the US, particularly following Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants.

This latest development has reignited discussions about rising aspirations among Punjabi youth to seek better prospects abroad and the risks associated with unauthorized migration.