Rubio tackles illegal immigration challenges in his discussion with Jaishankar.

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On January 21, the newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, engaged in discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar regarding concerns related to irregular migration, as reported by the U.S. State Department. These discussions took place shortly after President Donald Trump assumed office on January 20, during which he unveiled immigration policies designed to reduce illegal migration and expedite deportation processes. India has shown a willingness to collaborate with the United States in the identification and repatriation of its nationals who are residing unlawfully in the U.S., with reports indicating that approximately 18,000 Indian migrants may be at risk of deportation.

The State Department highlighted Rubio’s commitment to enhancing economic relations between the U.S. and India while simultaneously tackling migration issues. In a related context, India underscored the significance of facilitating the movement of skilled professionals as a vital component of its bilateral relationship with the United States.The discussions are particularly relevant in light of ongoing debates surrounding the H-1B visa program, which permits U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations. Notably, in the fiscal year concluding on September 30, 2023, India represented 78% of the total 265,777 H-1B visas granted by the United States.