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Amid reports of US deporting migrants to India, Punjab NRI Affairs minister says ‘govt is with them’

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said they are yet to find out how many people have been deported by the US.

Dhaliwal said he would write to the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday urging the government to take up the issue with the US so that illegal immigrants are sent back home rather than put in jails.

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said he would write to the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday urging the government to take up the issue with the US so that illegal immigrants are sent back home rather than put in jails.

Amid reports of a United States military plane carrying illegal migrants to India Monday, Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said it was better to “send them back home rather than putting them in jail in the US.”

Reuters said a US military C-17 aircraft had left for India with migrants, and cited an official saying the plane “would not arrive for at least 24 hours”.

Talking to The Indian Express on Tuesday, Dhaliwal said, “We have not got any information yet as to how many from Punjab are being deported. However, I want to say that it is a relief. It is better that they are coming back home. I had been living in the US before I came back to India. I know the jails there. Jails will be a huge punishment for them. Our youths will be shattered if they are put in the jails there. It is better that they come back home.”

Dhaliwal said he would write to the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday urging the government to take up the issue with the US so that illegal immigrants are sent back home rather than put in jails.

“I want to convey a message to these Punjabis that the government is with them. I will take it up with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the Cabinet meeting on February 10 that we should take it up with the banks to waive off the interest of those who took loans to go to the US”.

“Some have taken loans of Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakh to go to the US. It will be difficult for them to pay the loan back when they are back. I will also hold a meeting with the banks. There should be a moratorium on the interest as the youths would have to settle down first, look for jobs and then pay back. I am a farmer myself. I know how difficult it is to pay back if one is unable to pay an instalment.”

The minister also said they recognise that the deportation would be a huge problem for the youth and their parents. “We will not leave any stone unturned to rehabilitate them. We will help them as much as we can. We will formulate a policy. Those returning would have to start working.”

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He said the work would start on Tuesday itself. “We have been busy with the Delhi elections all this while. We have returned only last evening. We will start taking stock of the situation from today.”

The minister also said the details of the flight are awaited. “We will know how many Punjabis are on board. I am just seeking the details. We will have to work hard to help these people. We are on the job.”

Punjab Chief Minister Mann, who had also been campaigning in Delhi for the last several days, is back in Chandigarh, and called a meeting of senior superintendents of Police (SSPs) at noon.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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