By The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) has announced that as of 24 November 2024, a total of 1,445,549 non-citizens are on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal.
Among them, a total of 3,065 are Sri Lankan nationals.
ICE acknowledged that not all non-citizens can be deported immediately, citing several legal and logistical challenges. Many individuals seek relief under asylum laws, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture, which can prevent deportation if granted.
In addition, ICE noted that delays often occur due to lack of cooperation from foreign governments.
The US expects all countries to verify the nationality of their citizens, issue travel documents promptly, and accept repatriation flights. However, some countries fail to comply, delaying the process.In the past, there have been instances of Sri Lankans being deported from the U.S. For example, in September 2020, 18 Sri Lankans were deported for violating U.S. visa regulations.
The deportation process involves coordination between U.S. authorities and the Sri Lankan government. The Sri Lankan Embassy provides consular assistance to its citizens facing deportation, including issuing necessary travel documents.
ICE has classified 15 countries as uncooperative so far in accepting deported nationals, including Bhutan, Burma, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Laos, Pakistan, People’s Republic of China, Russia, Somalia, and Venezuela.
It also considers 11 countries to be at risk of non-compliance, including Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Gabon, Gambia, Iraq, Jamaica, Nicaragua, South Sudan, St. Lucia, and Vietnam.
