illegal immigration

The Supreme Court stated that illegal infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals is not a terrorist act, even as the BJP vows to expel them from West Bengal. The court granted bail to an individual arrested for facilitating illegal immigration, noting the porous border with Bangladesh and the large number of immigrants already in India.

India urged Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification for illegal immigrants, linking it to repatriation efforts. This response follows Bangladesh's concerns about potential "pushback" incidents after the BJP's West Bengal election victory, with Dhaka seeking cooperation for smooth deportations.

West Bengal will adopt Assam's border security model to curb infiltration. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced closer regional cooperation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Purvodaya vision. Adhikari stressed the importance of political partnership between BJP governments in Bengal and Assam. He stated that appeasement politics had weakened border management and national security in Bengal.

During a recent press conference, President Trump proudly showcased his administration's unwavering commitment to combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking, announcing close to 200,000 arrests related to criminal activity and an impressive reduction in fentanyl shipments across the nation. He credited the strategic use of tariffs in persuading foreign countries to take back deported migrants.

US non-immigrant visa applicants now face new questions about experiencing or fearing harm in their home countries, with affirmative answers potentially leading to denial. This change could impact future asylum claims, as applicants might be challenged on the veracity of their statements. Immigration experts suggest these questions target legal immigrants who might later seek asylum.

West Bengal's new BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has launched the "Annapurna Bhandaar" scheme. Eligible women will receive ₹3,000 monthly, replacing the previous "Lakshmir Bhandar." The cabinet also approved integrating the state with central schemes like Ayushman Bharat and addressing illegal immigration.

YouTuber Tyler Oliveira was denied entry into Israel after landing in Tel Aviv on May 12, 2026. He claimed authorities deported him over alleged “anti-Semitic” content linked to his controversial documentary about Jewish communities in New Jersey. Videos from the airport showed Oliveira questioning whether he would clear security while critics confronted him publicly. Streamer Sneako later reacted online, comparing Oliveira’s situation to his own travel bans and controversies.

Thailand is reducing its visa-free entry period from 60 to 30 days for 93 countries, including India, due to concerns over misuse and illegal activities. This move aims to curb unauthorized business operations and illegal employment, impacting Indian travelers who previously enjoyed longer stays.

In a decisive move, Assam recently deported 20 illegal immigrants back to Bangladesh, marking the second significant operation of this kind this year. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed this as a proactive approach to combat unlawful entry, vowing to intensify enforcement efforts.

Following significant local election losses, Labour leader Keir Starmer has appointed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a special envoy. This move comes amidst calls for Starmer's resignation from some party MPs, while voters express dissatisfaction with economic issues and immigration. Reform UK and the Greens have seen substantial gains in the polls.

A Gujarati businessman residing illegally in the US for 16 years faces a USD 1.8 million civil penalty for defying a removal order. The fine, calculated at over USD 998 daily, was imposed despite his pending U visa application. This significant penalty highlights a rare instance involving a Gujarati national, with thousands of similar notices issued to other migrants.

A BJP victory in Bengal could streamline India-Bangladesh ties, boosting cooperation on water, trade, and security. This alignment offers a chance to revive the stalled Teesta water-sharing deal, a crucial confidence-building measure.