In recent years, there has been an increase in illegal immigration by Indian people to the US-Canada border. A concerning pattern is revealed by US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) data. The number of Indian migrants apprehended at the northern border has been steadily increasing, and they have always made up a sizable fraction of the total.

Rising Numbers of Indian Nationals

The fiscal year of the USCBP is October through September. 109,535 people were caught trying to enter the border illegally in 2022. Indians accounted for around sixteen percent of these. The numbers had increased by 2023.

30,010 Indians were among the 189,402 people who were stopped. The upward trend has persisted this year. Indians comprised 43,764 of the 198,929 border crossings, or 22%.

These numbers are concerning, yet they only include those who were apprehended. It is uncertain how many crossings were successful.

Why Are Indians Taking This Route?

The US attracts Indian nationals for economic reasons. India's average per capita income is a small portion of the US's. The number is $48,110 in Mississippi, the poorest state in the union. Conversely, India has a net national income of roughly $1,161, with states like Bihar falling even further behind.

Immigration laws in Canada also impact migration. The average processing time for a visiting visa to Canada is 76 days, while appointments in the US can take almost a year. Because of this delay, migrants choose to transit through Canada. The US-Canada border is viewed as a simpler option because it is longer and less heavily patrolled than the US-Mexico border.

A significant portion of this tendency comprises migrants from Punjab, India. In their native state, many people deal with debt and unemployment. Organized smuggling networks, which provide ostensibly safer routes, exploit these weaknesses.

Political and Economic Challenges

Political leaders have noticed the growing numbers. The incoming president, Donald Trump, has called for tighter border controls and threatened to impose a 25% tariff unless Canada addresses the problem. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently mentioned the matter when he visited Trump in Florida.

The Khalistan movement introduces another level of intricacy. In the US, a large number of Punjabi migrants are given refuge. Although Indian policymakers see these movements as driven by economic factors, the issue can potentially become a trilateral involving the US, Canada, and India.

Another factor is Canada's economic difficulties. Some migrants come to the US to try their luck because of the country's high inflation, skyrocketing housing costs, and lack of employment possibilities. These crossings were further fueled by US actions under President Biden, which left borders largely open.

The northern border's reputation as a feasible entrance site has grown thanks to social media and word-of-mouth. This tendency is maintained as smuggling networks continue to exploit weaknesses in border security.

FAQS

Why do Punjabi migrants contribute significantly to this trend?

Many Punjabi migrants experience financial difficulties, unemployment, or heavy debt. Some people may want to avoid discrimination based on their caste or religion. They seek possibilities overseas because of these causes.

How has the US government responded to this increase?

The incoming president, Donald Trump, has urged Canada to address the problem. If it continues, he has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canada.