The Trump administration has intensified deportations in 2025, returning thousands of undocumented immigrants to their home countries. While India has fully cooperated, others—like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and some Middle Eastern nations—are resisting.
Under Prime Minister Modi, India has shown that deportation can be handled smoothly. So why aren’t other countries following suit?
According to reports, about 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the U.S., with major groups including:
- 48% from Mexico
- 7% from El Salvador
- 7% from Guatemala
- 5% from India
India was among the first to take back its deported citizens. Two key reasons explain its cooperation:
✔️ Diplomatic Strategy – Strengthening U.S.-India relations.
❌ U.S. Pressure – Some believe trade leverage influenced India’s decision.
This move also aligns with India’s internal policies—Modi’s government is already deporting Bangladeshi migrants and Rohingya refugees.
We see the news some Muslim-Majority countries are resisting.
Why?
Of course, there are reasons. The three most common reasons are below:
- Political Instability – Struggling economies make reintegration difficult.
- Public Backlash – Cooperation with Trump is unpopular.
- Defying U.S. Policies – Some leaders reject U.S. influence.
Pakistan, with 50,000 undocumented nationals in the U.S., has refused large-scale repatriations. Bangladesh, with 150,000 undocumented migrants, faces diplomatic tensions over deportations. Some Middle Eastern countries have left thousands of deportees stranded.
Trump’s policies are reshaping immigration diplomacy. India’s compliance sets a precedent, but will the U.S. penalize countries that refuse deportees?
Should the U.S. impose economic penalties or prioritize diplomacy?
In short, it’s clear that India’s acceptance of Trump’s immigration policy means it is also deporting undocumented immigrants from its own country.
So, whose first, Bangladeshi or Myanmar Rohingyas?
Note: Exact numbers may be higher in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Middle East as thousands of people flock during the Biden period. If you want to read the full article, read it on my Medium post.
