ADVERTISEMENTs
.png)
Punjab Minister wants Modi to resolve immigration issue with Trump
Dhaliwal’s comments reflect growing concerns over the increasing number of deportations and illegal immigration rackets targeting young Punjabis aspiring to work and settle abroad.
Punjab cabinet minister for NRI Affairs Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal speaking to the media at Amritsar airport. / Jaskaran Singh
Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Affairs, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage in discussions with US President Donald Trump to find a lasting solution to the ongoing immigration issues affecting Indian citizens.
Dhaliwal, who was at the airport to meet with the deported Indians who landed in Amritsar aboard a U.S. military aircraft on Feb. 5, highlighted the urgency of addressing the immigration concerns at the international level, stressing that these issues cannot be tackled solely on a national scale. “These issues have to be resolved at the international level. PM Modi should hold the arm of Indians and become their shield,” Dhaliwal told reporters.
The minister’s comments come after a meeting with a group of deported individuals who had faced difficulties in their attempts to migrate abroad. Dhaliwal stated that PM Modi should leverage his friendship with the American President to address the issue as such challenges have disproportionately affected the youth of Punjab, many of whom have been sent abroad through illegal means by immigration agents.
The Cabinet Minister noted that these youths had traveled to America for livelihood, investing significant amounts of money, and their expulsion is a serious concern. Dhaliwal noted that individuals engaged in criminal activities may face deportation, but emphasized that this is a bilateral issue needing intervention from the central government, especially PM Modi. He appealed to PM Modi to engage with President Trump to prevent further deportations and address the crisis.
When questioned about the state's stance on taking action against these illegal immigration agents, Dhaliwal confirmed that the majority of the youth had been sent to the United States via Dubai-based agents. He assured that the Punjab government was looking into the matter and would take necessary action to curb illegal migration and protect the interests of its citizens.
Dhaliwal’s comments reflect growing concerns over the increasing number of deportations and illegal immigration rackets targeting young Punjabis aspiring to work and settle abroad, particularly in North America. The issue of illegal immigration has become a hot-button topic in Punjab, with families often left in distress after their loved ones are sent back after failed migration attempts.
US President Donald Trump has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House next week, a White House official confirmed on Feb. 5. Along with Immigration, the two leaders are expected to discuss bilaeral trade, tariffs and the overall strategic U.S.-India partnership.
Punjab cabinet minister for NRI Affairs Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal meeting Indian deportees from to Punjab state. / Punjab Govt
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login