Living in America illegally without proper documentation is leading to deportation by the US government. Trump’s crackdown on undocumented migrants has begun in America. 104 Indian migrants who overstayed their visas or entered the United States illegally have already been deported.

Deportation is the process of removing a noncitizen from the U.S. for violating immigration law. The U.S. may detain and deport noncitizens who do criminal acts, are a threat to public safety, and violate their visa conditions.

Detained noncitizens may face immigration court hearings during the deportation process, but if they lack proper travel documents, use forged documents, or do not meet visa or other entry document requirements, they are deported immediately without any hearings.

Of the 104 Indians deported recently, many were those who arrived at the Mexico-US border recently or toward the end of December. But, according to Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and BCCI vice-president, the US will be deporting 7.25 lakh Indian citizens by calling them illegal.

These undocumented migrants would most likely have a stable financial situation, with bank accounts, savings, investments, and loans at their disposal. In 2023, the Indians had an average household earning of $123,700, a little over Rs 1 crore.

Do they still have to repay the loans in the US and will they have access to their savings in America?

“As it relates to undocumented immigrants who entered the US illegally, it is unlikely that deportation will fully dissolve their “financial presence” in the US. They will generally retain ownership of their assets, including bank accounts, investment accounts, physical property (i.e., real estate), and business interests.

The same holds for any outstanding loans or other financial obligations. These debts will not be erased even if the individual is deported; creditors retain the right to pursue collection efforts against deported individuals,” says Parth Vakil, Founding Partner, Ek.indUS.

In America, undocumented individuals or those without a Social Security number can also open bank accounts. Once a bank account is opened, migrants can get a credit card or take a loan.

“Regarding bank and investment accounts, it is ultimately up to the financial institution as to whether or not accounts will be frozen due to non-residency as a result of deportation. It is also important to consider the reason for deportation — assets may very well be frozen or seized by the Government if the individual was involved in any criminal or fraudulent activity,” says Vakil.

NBC News reported that Trump is ‘angry’ that deportation numbers are not higher and Trump has expressed anger that the amount of people deported in the first weeks of his administration is not higher, according to three sources familiar with the discussions at ICE and the White House.

Before the next wave of deportations begins, the undocumented migrants need to take care of their savings in America. “Deported individuals may appoint a power of attorney — typically a family member or close friend — to manage their assets. This is especially important about physical property, business interests, or other illiquid assets that cannot easily be liquidated and transferred abroad to their home country,” adds Vakil.

There are US laws in place for deported individuals to reapply for admission into the United States after deportation or removal.