Villages in Gujarat witness return of illegal immigrants from the US
Now, they are self-deporting to avoid detention as the Trump administration enforces stricter immigration laws.
Dingucha, Jhulasan, Jetalpur, Nardipur, and other villages have observed a noticeable rise in population over the past few months, with many such returnees.
Local officials and sources estimate the number of self-deportees to be at least 220. Many of them were recently issued Aadhaar cards and have settled back in villages across Mehsana and Gandhinagar districts, long identified by state and central agencies as hubs for illegal immigration.
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Pranav Patel, a visa consultant in Kalol, told TOI that many undocumented migrants in the US fear being detained. "They no longer have the option of shelter or asylum and want to avoid legal trouble. That's why they are leaving voluntarily," he said.
A recent case involves a 65-year-old Mehsana resident. He entered the US illegally in 2009 and returned to Gujarat via Delhi on July 7. On arrival, he was booked for allegedly cheating the Indian immigration system.
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His decision to leave the US was prompted by the renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants by the Trump administration, a police official familiar with the case said. "In the last three to four months, Dingucha has seen around 100 new residents, many seeking local documents," said Hasmukh Parmar, the village talati.
Residents note the change. "Earlier, the village was sparsely populated, with many people in the US. Now, temple courtyards and benches in gathering spots are full again. Those who have returned stand out — they are fairer, healthier, and well-dressed," said Bhavin Patel, a Pansar resident.
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