Indian Migrants: The United States has witnessed a remarkable surge in undocumented migrants from India, with many entering through Mexico.
However, faced with mounting pressure at the U.S.-Mexico border, an increasing number are opting for an unconventional route crossing into the U.S. via the expansive and lightly guarded Canadian border.
Indian Migrants…
Data from the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) reveals that in fiscal year 2023, nearly 97K undocumented Indian migrants were encountered nationwide, with over 30K intercepted at the northern border alone.
This marks a substantial rise from the approximately 16K encounters in fiscal year 2019. The trend shows no signs of abating. Between October 2023 and February 2024, close to 14K Indians were encountered at the U.S. Canada border.
This influx has overwhelmed border security officials and stirred unease in communities across northern U.S. states.
CBP data further illustrates the scale of the migration rush through Canada, with nearly 190K encounters recorded at the Canadian border in 2023 – a sixfold increase from 2021.
Commenting on the situation, a spokesperson for the Indian embassy in Washington highlighted the ambiguity surrounding the extent of illegal immigration from India to the United States.
The increase in Indian migrants entering the US through Canada raises border issues, prompting ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
As the phenomenon continues to unfold, stakeholders are grappling with its implications for border security, immigration policy, and bilateral relations between the United States and India.
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