The use of military aircraft for deportation in the US is not only unusual but also very expensive. The Trump administration is adamant that it will send illegal immigrants only by C-17 military aircraft.
The first US military plane carrying Indian immigrants considered illegal in the US reached Amritsar on 5 February. There were 205 Indians in it. This military plane was C-17, which brought illegal immigrants. The US is sending back immigrants to other countries also through these planes. While many countries are also opposing this. The use of these planes is also very expensive.
Reuters calculated the comparative cost of the two flights. It found that when the US recently returned illegal immigrants from Guatemala on a military plane, it probably cost at least $4,675 per migrant. A one-way first class ticket on the same route on American Airlines costs $853, meaning the military plane costs five times more per passenger.
Question – What is the cost when the US military aircraft C-17 comes to India?
– The estimated cost of running a C-17 military transport aircraft is $28,500 per hour. The deportation flight to India is the longest. Flights to Guatemala, Peru, Honduras and Ecuador are not very long.
Question – Why does Trump want to use military planes for this?
– Actually it is more about symbolism. Since Trump has always called illegal immigrants “aliens” and “criminals” who have “invaded” America, when he is sending illegal immigrants on military planes, he is treating them like criminals. They are being sent in handcuffs. Military planes are being used.
In this way, President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the whole world that if you enter the United States illegally, you will have to face serious consequences.
Question – Is Trump giving immigrants a chance to go to court and tell their case?
– No, Trump is in favor of detaining illegal immigrants and deporting them immediately rather than giving them time to appeal. He said in December, “I don’t want them to sit in a camp for the next 20 years. I want them to get out and the countries will have to take them back.”
Question – Is Trump’s move being criticized?
– Latin American countries are criticizing Trump’s move to send back migrants in chains in military planes. But this can be reacted to in those countries where the US military is present.
Question – What kind of a C-17 aircraft is this, why is it being used?
– The C-17 aircraft is known for its capacity and long distance flights. This aircraft is capable of carrying a large number of people at once, which can facilitate the deportation process.
Question – What are the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft like, where are they made and how many does the US have?
– The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest and most flexible cargo aircraft to join the US Airlift Force. Its cruise speed is about 450 knots (.74 Mach). It is capable of taking off and landing on a runway as long as 3,500 feet (1,064 meters) or just 90 feet (27.4 meters) wide. The aircraft has a maximum range of 10,389 kilometers (6,455 miles) in one go. It is capable of operating from small and unsealed airstrips. It is produced by the US-based Boeing company.
Question – Which countries use such aircraft?
– C-17 Globemaster III is a versatile military aircraft. It is being used in many countries. Apart from America, India, Australia use it.
Question – What is the Laken Riley Act, through which illegal immigrants are being sent back to their country without listening to them?
– The Laken Riley Act has been approved by President Donald Trump, it is being used against illegal immigrants in America. This law is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia, who was murdered by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. This act provides for catching, arresting and sending illegal immigrants back to their country.
Question – How many illegal Indian immigrants are there in the US in total?
– The number of Indian immigrants living illegally in the US varies according to different estimates. According to a report, there are about 725,000 Indian immigrants in the US who are not recorded. However, these figures have not been officially confirmed. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that the number of Indian immigrants living illegally is about half. According to media reports, the US has identified 18,000 Indians as illegal immigrants who are to be deported.
Question – Has the US deported Indians before?
– Between 2018 and 2023, 5,477 Indians were deported from the US. The highest number of Indians deported was 2,300 in 2020. In 2024 (till September), 1,000 Indian citizens were deported.