In October, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported a large group of Indian nationals back to their home country.
These flights, called “removal flights,” carried hundreds of migrants who, according to U.S. officials, had no legal right to stay in the country.
Most were sent to Punjab, a region where many of these migrants come from, though no exact details were shared about their hometowns.
In the U.S. fiscal year 2024, which ended in September, over 1,000 Indian nationals were deported, either on chartered or commercial flights, said Royce Bernstein Murray from the Department of Homeland Security.
BBC reports that this reflects a growing trend in deportations as more Indian nationals attempt unauthorized crossings into the U.S. Many are stopped at the borders with Mexico and Canada.
Since 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recorded nearly 170,000 encounters with Indian migrants. While fewer in number than migrants from Latin America, Indians represent the largest group from outside the Americas attempting such crossings, as BBC highlights.
Why Indians Are Risking Everything
Many of these migrants come from Punjab and Haryana, regions struggling with unemployment, farming issues, and drug problems.
Migration has been common in these areas for decades, with young people often dreaming of moving abroad for better opportunities.
Families frequently sell their land or take loans to pay smugglers, who charge up to $100,000 for dangerous routes.
These journeys often involve traveling through countries like El Salvador or Nicaragua or, increasingly, through Canada, which is easier to access than the U.S.
Researchers, according to BBC, note that these migrants aren’t necessarily poor but lack qualifications to secure legal visas to the U.S., such as student or tourist visas. Instead, they rely on smugglers and take significant risks to reach America.
Rising Risks at the Borders
The northern U.S.-Canada border has seen a sharp rise in Indian migrants. In Vermont, a part of the Swanton Sector, there were over 2,700 encounters with Indian nationals in June alone.
Unlike the heavily guarded U.S.-Mexico border, the northern border is less patrolled, though still dangerous. Tragically, some migrants, like a family from Gujarat in 2022, have lost their lives in harsh conditions while attempting to cross.
Families are now more commonly attempting these crossings, which increases the risks. BBC reports that informal work in big U.S. cities like New York or Boston remains the main draw for these migrants. Many end up in jobs such as domestic work or restaurant labor.
Challenges Ahead
As BBC explains, tougher U.S. immigration policies under President-elect Donald Trump could make things harder.
His administration plans to prioritize the northern border, considering illegal crossings a “national security issue.” Canada may also introduce stricter rules to prevent migrants from entering the U.S. through its borders.
Despite these challenges, the dream of a better life in America remains strong for many Indians. Social networks and the hope of sending money home keep driving them forward, even though the journey is becoming more dangerous.
BBC highlights that the root causes of migration, like economic hardships and lack of opportunities, need long-term solutions to truly address this growing trend.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2ld7r4432o