Coordinating Minister Yusril Anticipates Trump Immigration Policy To Prevent Deportation Of Indonesian Citizens

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections (Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra emphasized that the Indonesian government will anticipate the new immigration policy of the United States (US) and ensure protection for Indonesian citizens (WNI) who have the potential to be deported due to immigration issues.

Recently, US President Donald Trump announced an executive order regarding US immigration rules targeting undocumented immigrants, who will be immediately deported if found by immigration authorities.

"We will oversee and provide protection for Indonesian citizens affected by this policy," said Yusril as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, March 6.

Coordinating Minister for Human Rights, Imipas, emphasized that the Indonesian government will cooperate with the US to ensure that their rights remain respected.

Responding to concerns by the Indonesian government, the US Ambassador to Indonesia Kamala Lakhdhir said the policy only applies to individuals who are in the US illegally.

"There is no need to worry because the Indonesian diaspora in the US, both students and workers, can still live their lives as usual," said Lakhdir.

He explained that immigrants with illegal status were encouraged to return to Indonesia voluntarily so that they would not be detained

He mentioned several other deportation-threatened individuals, namely those who initially entered the US on student visas, but no longer had legal status after leaving the university or those who had been in from the start.

Even so, it was also emphasized by Lakhdir that the US respects the privacy of deported immigrants so that their cases will not be discussed or disseminated to the media.

On the other hand, the US Ambassador also revealed that his party is working with Indonesian immigration in dealing with US citizens who exceed the validity period of their visas in Indonesia, especially in Bali.

In addition to deportation policies, the meeting also discussed the issue of dual citizenship.

He revealed that his government has no objection if Indonesian citizens in the US choose to become citizens of Uncle Sam's country.

"We understand that Indonesia only recognizes one nationality. From our side, if someone chooses to become a US citizen, it is their right and we have no objection to this," he said.

However, he always reminded the residents to re-examine the rules in Indonesia that only allow single citizenship.

In addition, Lakhdhir also emphasized the importance of good relations between Indonesia and the US in various sectors, including security, law, and bilateral cooperation.

"Bilateral relations between the United States and Indonesia have been well established in various sectors. We hope that this collaboration can be further strengthened for the common interest," said Lakhdhir.

Responding to this, Coordinating Minister Yusril emphasized that Indonesia still adheres to the principle of single citizenship.

However, he opened further discussion spaces related to the dual citizenship policy, considering the increasing number of Indonesian diaspora abroad.

Currently, Indonesia provides limited citizenship to children resulting from different countries' marriages until they are 21 years old.

"After reaching 21 years, the child must choose one of the citizenship owned," said Yusril.

The discussion this time is expected to pave the way for further cooperation between Indonesia and the US on legal issues and immigration.