The issue of illegal immigration is a pressing concern for many nations, including India and the United States. Reports indicate that approximately 700,000 Indians are residing illegally in the U.S. If the Indian government were to repatriate them, the financial burden of such a massive operation would be staggering.
Breaking Down the Costs
To understand the cost of deportation, let’s consider the charter flight expenses. A large aircraft capable of carrying 250 passengers per flight would need to make multiple trips to transport 700,000 individuals. The estimated cost of renting such a flight from Washington, D.C., to New Delhi is around $700,000 per trip.
Total flights needed:
700,000 ÷ 250 = 2,800 flights
Total estimated cost:
2,800 × 700,000 = 1.96 billion dollars
In Indian Rupees: At an exchange rate of $1 = ₹87.4, the total cost would be approximately ₹171,304 crore (1.71 trillion INR).
This calculation does not include administrative expenses, detention costs, legal proceedings, and other logistical challenges, which could drive the cost even higher.
Who Will Pay for This?
The key question remains: who is responsible for bearing this cost?
- U.S. Government – While the U.S. deports illegal immigrants, it is unlikely that they would fully fund an operation of this scale.
- Indian Government – India may not have the resources or willingness to fund such a large-scale repatriation.
- Taxpayers – If India were to take responsibility, the burden could fall on Indian taxpayers.
- Immigrants Themselves – Would individuals be asked to fund their own return tickets? This is unlikely given their undocumented status.
Is Mass Deportation Realistic?
Even if the logistics and funding were sorted, repatriation would involve political, diplomatic, and humanitarian challenges. Many undocumented Indians in the U.S. have built lives there, and forcing them to leave could lead to legal battles, international disputes, and human rights concerns.
Ultimately, the cost of mass deportation raises a crucial debate: is it financially and practically feasible? And more importantly, what would be the long-term consequences of such a move on India’s economy, U.S.-India relations, and the global perception of immigration policies?
Would India foot the bill, or will this remain an unresolved issue?
