Chandigarh: Amid speculation that a US military aircraft carrying over 200 illegal immigrants will arrive at Amritsar airport on Wednesday, a senior Punjab Police official confirmed that state authorities are prepared to receive those being deported.

Punjab's NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal voiced disappointment over the deportation, arguing that these individuals had contributed to the US economy and should have been granted permanent residency instead of being sent back.

Reports indicate that a US C-17 military aircraft, with 205 undocumented immigrants from Punjab and nearby states on board, is expected to land in Amritsar.

The deportations come in the wake of stricter enforcement actions by US authorities, which intensified after Donald Trump assumed the presidency. Many of those facing deportation had entered the US via illegal channels, including the so-called "donkey route”, often after spending huge sums of money.

When questioned about the expected arrival of the deportees, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the matter was discussed during a meeting in Chandigarh.

"The Chief Minister (Bhagwant Mann) said from the Punjab Government's side, we will receive our immigrants and set up counters (for them) there," Yadav said.

"We are in touch with the Centre. As and when information comes, we will share," he added.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held discussions with senior Punjab Police officials, including commissioners and SSPs, on Tuesday, where the issue was reportedly raised.

Calling the deportation of Indian nationals from the US a "very serious" matter, Dhaliwal said in a statement from Amritsar that many of these individuals had initially entered the US on work permits that later expired, leading to their undocumented status.

"They contributed to the US economy, and should have been granted permanent residency instead of being deported," he argued.

Dhaliwal also announced plans to meet the External Affairs Minister next week to discuss issues affecting Punjabis in the US. In addition, he urged Punjabis to avoid illegal migration and instead focus on acquiring skills and education for legal opportunities abroad.

PTI