U.S.-India Discuss Irregular Migration Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday to address concerns about irregular migration, according to the State Department. The discussion comes as President Donald Trump, who took office Monday, issued executive orders targeting illegal immigration and aiming to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.

India is reportedly ready to collaborate with the U.S. to identify and repatriate Indian nationals residing in the country illegally. Bloomberg reported that both nations have identified approximately 18,000 Indian migrants subject to deportation.

The State Department stated that Secretary Rubio emphasized strengthening U.S.-India economic ties while addressing migration concerns. Meanwhile, India highlighted the importance of skilled worker mobility in bilateral relations, particularly regarding the debated H-1B visa program. The program, heavily utilized by Indian IT professionals, accounted for 78% of the 265,777 H-1B visas issued by the U.S. in the fiscal year ending September 2023.

President Trump has expressed support for the H-1B visa program, a stance backed by billionaire Elon Musk, who vowed to defend it against opposition. India, known for its vast IT talent pool, views the program as mutually beneficial, fostering economic growth for both countries.

The U.S.-India collaboration on migration reflects broader policy shifts under the Trump administration and highlights the role of immigration and economic ties in shaping bilateral relations.