US to deport undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh

US to Deport Undocumented Bangladeshi Immigrants

The United States is set to deport undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants as part of its broader crackdown on illegal migration, following an earlier decision by former President Donald Trump.

However, US authorities have not specified the exact number of undocumented Bangladeshis affected or provided a timeline for their deportation. Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Washington reported that Bangladesh has formally urged the US government to ensure deported individuals are not handcuffed or treated disrespectfully during the process.

Diplomatic Engagement and Government Response

Sources indicate that the US embassy in Dhaka informed the Bangladesh government about the planned deportations last month, prompting a formal diplomatic response.

According to officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US is informing multiple countries through their embassies regarding the deportation of undocumented migrants, with Bangladesh being no exception.

An inter-ministerial meeting was convened at the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the repatriation process. The meeting, led by Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, focused on verifying the citizenship status of returnees before their acceptance.

Officials reiterated that Bangladeshi deportees should not be handcuffed or subjected to any form of humiliation.

Undocumented Bangladeshis in the US

Neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka nor US officials have disclosed the exact number of undocumented Bangladeshis residing in the US. However, sources suggest that most are concentrated in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

A BBC report highlighted that three US agencies oversee immigration enforcement: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Diplomatic sources confirmed that Washington has sought Dhaka’s cooperation in repatriating undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, and the Bangladesh government has responded positively. A senior foreign affairs official emphasized that Bangladesh is committed to ensuring its citizens return with dignity.

The US administration has reportedly assured Bangladesh that deportees without criminal records will not be treated disrespectfully.

Uncertainty Over Trump’s Immigration Policies

Diplomatic sources noted that Trump’s immigration policies have been unpredictable, citing past instances where Colombian migrants were deported in handcuffs.

However, they believe such treatment is unlikely for Bangladeshi deportees due to their relatively lower numbers in the US. Unlike migrants from some other countries, it is also unlikely that Bangladeshis will be deported via chartered flights.

Officials cautioned that if Trump secures a second term, immigration policies could shift unexpectedly, referencing his previous tariff threats against Colombia, Canada, and Mexico over migration issues.