By Sri Lankan Buddhist Priests Offer Support to Community Amid US Deportation Plans
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is awaiting official communication from the United States (US) regarding reported plans to deport over 1.4 million illegal migrants, including 3,065 Sri Lankans, The Daily Morning has learned.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently revealed that 3,065 Sri Lankans are among the 1.4 million illegal immigrants slated for deportation under the new administration led by President Donald Trump.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, stated that the government had not yet received any official communication from the US on the matter. However, he clarified that it is not mandatory for the US to issue such communication.
“According to the information we’ve received, many people residing there legally may also lose their jobs. There is such an issue as well. Some policies are being revised. During a recent event, I inquired about this from US Embassy officials, but they are not in a position to comment officially,” Hemachandra said.
In response to a query on whether the Government would seek an official clarification, Hemachandra explained that the government believes the US needs more time to communicate. “We can request a clarification, but we think that they need more time. If someone is staying there illegally, that is against the law, and we should study to what extent we can intervene. However, this is still not clear, and we are waiting for an official communication to be received,” he added.
As of November 24, 2024, a document released by ICE revealed that there were 1,445,549 non-citizens on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal, including 3,065 Sri Lankans. The US Government has requested foreign governments to take appropriate steps to confirm the citizenship of non-citizens suspected to be their nationals, including conducting interviews, issuing travel documents promptly, and accepting the physical return of their nationals by scheduled commercial or charter flights, in line with ICE and/or foreign government removal guidelines.
lack of Cooperation
The lack of cooperation from countries in accepting the return of their nationals may result in ICE classifying those countries as uncooperative or at risk of non-compliance. Currently, ICE considers 15 countries to be uncooperative, including Bhutan, Burma, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and others, while 11 countries are at risk of non-compliance, such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Jamaica, and Vietnam.
In the face of uncertainty, Sri Lankan Buddhist priests in the US have stepped forward to advise and support fellow Sri Lankans who are facing potential deportation. These priests have been offering guidance and emotional support, helping the community navigate this challenging period. A growing sense of solidarity is gradually taking root among Sri Lankans in the US, as they unite and work together to face the potential consequences of the deportation plans. This sense of community is beginning to provide strength and comfort to many during these uncertain times.
Indian Deportation
Meanwhile deportation of ilegal Indian immigrants has begun and the Indian Government said it will not support illegal immigration and it will accept those who are been deported from the USA .
