A report from VOA highlights an unprecedented surge in undocumented migrants from India, many of whom are now traversing the northern border with Canada to seek entry into the US
In recent years, a remarkable trend has emerged in the landscape of undocumented migration to the United States, one that diverges from the more familiar narratives of border crossings from Mexico.
A report from VOA highlights an unprecedented surge in undocumented migrants from India, many of whom are now traversing the northern border with Canada to seek entry into the US.
According to data from Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), the fiscal year 2023 witnessed nearly 97,000 encounters with undocumented Indian migrants nationwide, with more than 30,000 of these encounters occurring at the US-Canada border. These figures mark a significant escalation from the 2,225 encounters recorded in 2021.
According to the VOA report, this influx has not abated; between October and February alone, nearly 14,000 Indians were encountered at the US-Canada border, a stark rise from the 619 encountered during the same period two years earlier.
The reasons behind this migration rush are multifaceted. Experts point to the perceived openness of the Biden administration to asylum-seekers as a contributing factor. The end of the COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in stimulating global migration.
Chirag Patel, an immigration lawyer based in Maryland, notes that anticipation of potential policy changes surrounding the US presidential election fuels the urgency among asylum seekers.
However, behind the statistics lies a complex web of motivations. While some Indian migrants indeed have legitimate claims of persecution, the majority are driven by economic aspirations. Punjab and Gujarat, two prosperous states in India, serve as primary sources of migrants, many of whom are relatively affluent and possess a command of English.
The report quoted Devesh Kapur, a professor at Johns Hopkins University. He underscored the misconception that migration is solely a pursuit of the impoverished, highlighting the financial means of many Indian migrants.
The evolving dynamics of undocumented migration from India to the US illuminate a shifting paradigm in global migration patterns, underscoring the enduring allure of America as a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless individuals worldwide
Yet, legal pathways into the US remain elusive for these aspirants, leading them to opt for what is colloquially known as the “donkey route.” Facilitated by human trafficking networks, this perilous journey involves traversing multiple continents and entails exorbitant fees.
While Mexico has traditionally been a transit point for Indian migrants, Canada has emerged as an increasingly preferred route, facilitated by favorable visa policies and economic opportunities.
Shinder Purewal, a political scientist, notes the ease with which Indians can obtain Canadian visas, paving the way for onward travel to the US.
However, the journey is not without its dangers. Tragic incidents, including fatalities due to extreme weather conditions, underscore the risks undertaken by these migrants in their quest for a better life.
Maureen Silcoff, a Canadian refugee and immigration lawyer, emphasizes the desperation that compels individuals to embark on such perilous journeys, highlighting the underlying human rights abuses and hardships they seek to escape.
The evolving dynamics of undocumented migration from India to the US illuminate a shifting paradigm in global migration patterns, underscoring the enduring allure of America as a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless individuals worldwide.
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