Surge in Indian migrants at U.S.-Canada border driven by economic opportunity

As the U.S. continues to tighten immigration policies, migrants like Shivam press on, seeking economic stability and the promise of a better future in America

In a small city in upstate New York, near the Canadian border, Indian immigrants are stepping out of taxi minivans in front of Clinton County’s government building. This sight has become increasingly common as unauthorized crossings from Canada into the U.S. have surged over the past year and a half. Indian immigrants, making up nearly 60% of these crossings, are a significant part of this growing trend.

The informal economy catering to these migrants has flourished. Drivers like Shivam, a 20-year-old from India, see this as both a business and an opportunity. Shivam, who crossed the U.S. border himself just weeks ago, now helps others make their way to New York City or other destinations across the U.S., charging between $150 and $300 per person for the ride. “I rent a car, I come here, and help people,” Shivam explains, adding that this is primarily a business move.

This year alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported nearly 20,000 encounters with migrants between northern border entry points—a staggering 95% increase from the previous year. The reasons behind this surge are varied, with many Indian nationals citing better economic opportunities in the U.S. compared to Canada, where they often begin their journey due to the country’s favorable immigration policies.

• The northern border has not yet seen the massive influx experienced at the southern border, where nearly 371,000 encounters with unauthorized migrants occurred in December 2023

• However, the spike in crossings through Canada has unsettled some border communities, particularly as the number of Indian nationals attempting to cross hit an all-time high of 3,600 in June

Shivam describes his harrowing experience crossing the U.S. border through the dense forest that connects Canada to New York, navigating through mud and darkness. He is now awaiting a hearing after claiming asylum but admits that his main motivation was work. “I get more opportunities in the U.S. compared to Canada,” he says.

Experts like Pablo Bose, director of the Global and Regional Studies Program at the University of Vermont, highlight the economic drivers behind this migration. While migrants from Central and South America often flee violence or government oppression, many Indian migrants are drawn to the U.S. by job prospects, particularly in industries such as hospitality and services. Cities like New York and Chicago offer a chance to blend into the immigrant workforce, where wages are higher and taxes lower than in Canada.

Although Canada has offered temporary work permits to visitors and an express entry program for skilled migrants, the U.S. still holds greater appeal for many. The strength of the U.S. dollar, coupled with the sheer number of jobs in larger cities, motivates many to make the risky journey south. Despite the challenges posed by the U.S.-Canada border agreement, which allows for quicker asylum denials, many migrants perceive this northern route as safer than traveling through Central America or the Mexican desert.

***********************************************************

Readers

These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.

Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world.  We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.

For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com