More than 20% of Indians in the US are illegal

Approximately 21% of this population, nearly 7.25 lakh individuals, were estimated to be undocumented immigrants, making them the third-largest group after Mexicans and Salvadorans

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Over 34.55 lakh Indians resided in the US in 2021, according to The Hindu Businessline’s analysis of the Global Migration Database and Pew Research Centre’s unauthorized immigrants report. Approximately 21% of this population, nearly 7.25 lakh individuals, were estimated to be undocumented immigrants, making them the third-largest group after Mexicans and Salvadorans.

 The surge in the number of Indians attempting illegal border crossings into the US since 2020 is evident from data provided by the US Customs and Border Protection (USCPB). Notably, the figures indicate a significant increase, with 19,883 Indians caught in FY20, rising to 30,662 in FY21, and a staggering 63,927 in FY22—a growth exceeding 100%. By FY23, the number soared to 96,917, and between October 1 and October 31, another 8,499 Indians were apprehended for illegal entry.

Three US states, namely New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Ohio, reported a majority of undocumented immigrants being of Indian origin. New Jersey, ranking fifth in the nation for illegal immigrants, follows California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

An in-depth analysis of the border-crossing data reveals that, between October 1, 2019, and October 31, 2023, a total of 67,923 Indians entered the US illegally through the Southwest Land Border, separating Mexico and the US, considered the most frequently crossed international boundary globally

S Irudaya Rajan, Chair of the International Institute for Migration and Development, Kerala, emphasized that the documentation for these immigrants occurred at the destination, stating that leaving India without proper travel documents is currently implausible. Many cases may involve individuals overstaying after visa expiry, particularly among young students who, upon graduation, struggle to secure employment and end up working with expired student visas.

The data indicates a rising trend in Indians relinquishing their citizenship for US citizenship since 2017. Rajan pointed out that many countries, including the US, are lenient in providing visas, contributing to the issue.

Despite the Pew report capturing illegal immigrant figures until 2021, the USCPB data highlights a substantial increase in Indians caught while attempting illegal border crossings. Experts stress the human smuggling angle, citing a tragic incident in January 2022 when an Indian family froze to death while crossing the Canada-US border.

An in-depth analysis of the border-crossing data reveals that, between October 1, 2019, and October 31, 2023, a total of 67,923 Indians entered the US illegally through the Southwest Land Border, separating Mexico and the US, considered the most frequently crossed international boundary globally.

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