Illegal US immigration: S Jaishankar-Rubio bilateral meeting ends positively; Indians may get more time to return home

NEW DELHI: Although US President Trump has decided to immediately send illegal immigrants back to their home countries, there is hope that humanitarian consideration and time will be given in the case of Indians. It is reported that the confirmation was received in the discussion held by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.

Around 18,000 Indians will have to return to their homeland at the same time as it has been decided to take them on chartered flights. More time was requested citing social and economic problems. It has been informed that India will get some more time for rehabilitation if repatriation is done in several stages. Student visas and H-1B visas for skilled workers are also expected to be relaxed.

Another proof of cooperation with India is that the Trump administration found time for the Quad meeting, an alliance of India, the US, Australia and Japan aimed at security in the Indo-Pacific region. Marco Rubio, Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi were present. Jaishankar expressed willingness to hold the next meeting in India.

Finding them a challenge; fewer Malayalees

Most of the illegal immigrants are from the states of Gujarat, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh. There are only a few Malayalees. The number of returnees could be as high as 30,000. Finding undocumented individuals is a challenge. The total number of illegal immigrants is around 15 lakhs. India is behind Mexico and El Salvador in the number of returnees.

Favoured partner, India

• The first bilateral meeting of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Walsh was with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. A clear indication that the Trump administration sees India as a favoured partner.
• The first bilateral talks are usually with neighbouring countries such as Canada, Mexico or a key NATO partner.
• Cooperation in the fields of defence, new technologies, Indo-Pacific and trade were discussed. Time was requested on the immigration issue along with that.

"Delighted to meet Marco Rubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State. Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which Marco Rubio has been a strong advocate. Also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues. Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation,"

-S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India

Modi-Trump meeting next month?

It is rumoured that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-Trump meeting may take place in Washington next month. News agency reported that the diplomatic representatives of the two countries have communicated.