The increase in unauthorized crossings and asylum requests has spotlighted the need for a coordinated international response to address gaps in border security and immigration policy
The number of undocumented Indian nationals crossing from Canada to the United States on foot has reached unprecedented levels, raising concerns about Canada’s visa screening processes. Recent data from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals that in June alone, 5,152 undocumented Indians entered the US from Canada, marking an all-time high. This surge has surpassed the number of Indians crossing from the more well-known Mexico route since December 2023.
The US-Canada border, stretching nearly 9,000 kilometers, is the longest open border in the world—more than twice the length of the US-Mexico border and almost three times longer than India’s 3,400-kilometer border with China. The extensive length and relatively open nature of the US-Canada border have made it a new focus for those seeking unauthorized entry into the United States.
Both the US and the UK have raised these concerns with Canadian authorities. The US has requested Canada to implement a more rigorous visa screening process, while the UK has suggested that all Canada-bound Indian nationals obtain transit visas for any stopovers in the UK
From January to June of this year, the average monthly number of undocumented Indians caught at the US-Canada border increased by 47%, rising to 3,733 from 2,548 in 2023. This represents a 13-fold increase from 2021 when only 282 Indians were encountered at the border. These figures stand in stark contrast to the economic success of legally settled Indian populations in the US, who, although they make up just 1.5% of the US population, contribute about 5-6% of the total income taxes, according to a study by Boston Consulting Group.
Across the Atlantic, a similar pattern emerges. The UK has seen a significant increase in the number of Indian nationals seeking asylum “at port” — a 136% rise in 2022 compared to 2021, with numbers continuing to climb in 2023. As of June this year, 475 asylum seekers have been recorded at UK ports. A significant share of these asylum seekers are believed to be Canada-bound transit passengers stopping over in the UK.
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