Illegal Immigration Reflects Systemic Failure, Says Shashi Tharoor; Government Has Full Right to Deport

New Delhi:
Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has raised serious questions over the government’s handling of border management and immigration control, stating that the presence of illegal immigrants in the country reflects systemic failures. At the same time, he asserted that the government has every legal right to take firm action, including deportation, against those residing in India unlawfully.

Tharoor emphasized that effective border management is a fundamental responsibility of the state. “If people are entering the country illegally or overstaying after their visas have expired, it clearly points to weaknesses in border control and immigration systems,” he said. According to him, such lapses must be addressed strictly and through lawful means.

Questioning the existing mechanisms, the Thiruvananthapuram MP remarked, “If illegal immigrants are entering our country, is that not our failure? Should we not be managing our borders more effectively?” He added that violations of immigration laws cannot be ignored and that the government is fully empowered to act against them. “If someone is living in this country illegally or has overstayed their visa, the government has the right to remove them. The government should be allowed to do its job,” Tharoor said.

At the same time, the Congress leader underlined the importance of a balanced and humane approach, particularly in sensitive cross-border situations involving political or humanitarian considerations. Stressing the rule of law, he said such matters must be handled carefully within legal frameworks while keeping humanitarian values in mind.

In this context, Tharoor also defended India’s decision to allow former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stay in the country. He described the move as being guided by humanitarian principles. “India showed the right humanitarian spirit by not forcing her to return,” he said, citing her long-standing ties with India and her role as a trusted friend of the country over many years.

Tharoor further noted that issues related to deportation or extradition are governed by complex legal structures, including treaties and exceptions, and require thorough and careful evaluation before any decision is taken.

His remarks reflect a nuanced position—calling for stronger systems to prevent illegal immigration, while also advocating for legality, due process and humanitarian sensitivity in dealing with such cases.