- greensea
- 19 Feb 2025 05:35 AM
- #Visa & Immigration
The issue of undocumented Indian immigrants in the US is a complex and evolving challenge that has recently gained more attention. With an estimated population ranging between 375,000 and 700,000, Indian nationals represent one of the largest groups of unauthorized migrants in the country. The dynamics of Indian migration to the US involve a mix of visa overstays, illegal border crossings, and asylum applications, making it a multi-faceted issue that demands closer examination.
The Numbers Behind Indian Undocumented Migration
As of 2022, India ranks as the third-largest source of undocumented immigrants in the US, following Mexico and El Salvador. Estimates suggest that there were around 700,000 undocumented Indian nationals in the country, though other sources propose a significantly lower figure of approximately 375,000. This discrepancy highlights the uncertainty surrounding the actual size of this population.
Over the years, the number of undocumented Indians in the US has fluctuated. The peak was recorded in 2016, with approximately 560,000 unauthorized Indian migrants. However, by 2022, this figure had dropped by 60%, reaching an estimated 220,000. Various factors, such as changes in legal status, deportations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to this decline. Despite this, border encounters involving Indian nationals have surged, raising concerns that the actual number of undocumented individuals may have risen again in 2023.
A key factor in Indian undocumented migration is visa overstays. Many migrants initially enter the US legally but remain beyond their visa expiration dates. The visa overstay rate for Indian nationals has remained relatively stable at around 1.5% since 2016. Furthermore, the number of Indian recipients under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has steadily declined, from 2,600 in 2017 to 1,600 in 2024. These statistics indicate a shifting landscape in Indian migration patterns, with new entry methods and different motivations emerging over time.
Geographically, undocumented Indian migrants tend to reside in states with significant Indian-American populations. California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois are the most common destinations. In some states, such as Tennessee and California, more than 20% of the Indian immigrant population lacks legal status. Additionally, states like Ohio and Michigan have reported a notable percentage of unauthorized Indian residents. The concentration of Indian migrants in these areas reflects the availability of job opportunities, social networks, and cultural support systems that facilitate their stay.
Changing Migration Routes and the Rise in Asylum Seekers
A significant trend in recent years has been the rise in asylum applications from Indian nationals. The surge in asylum claims in 2023 represents a major shift in migration strategies. Traditionally, asylum seekers flee their home countries due to political persecution, religious discrimination, or other life-threatening conditions. However, many Indian asylum seekers—particularly from relatively wealthy states like Punjab and Gujarat—are believed to be motivated by economic aspirations rather than direct persecution.
Interestingly, Indian asylum applications from marginalized communities and religious minorities remain relatively low. This pattern suggests that the primary driver of migration is financial opportunity rather than personal safety. The high costs associated with illegal migration—ranging from 30 to 100 times India’s per capita income—indicate that this path is primarily pursued by individuals and families with the financial means to support such an expensive journey.
This shift in migration methods is not limited to the US. Indians have increasingly sought asylum in Canada, the UK, and Australia, indicating a broader trend of international migration beyond traditional employment-based visas. The relatively lenient entry policies in Canada have made it a preferred entry point for some Indian migrants attempting to cross into the US. In 2024, border encounters with Indian nationals increased significantly along the US-Canada border, suggesting a growing reliance on this route.
Despite the increasing numbers, the Indian government has largely remained passive in addressing illegal migration. The responsibility for managing undocumented immigration falls primarily on receiving nations like the US. Between 2009 and 2024, around 16,000 Indians were deported from the US, with deportation rates peaking in 2020 at nearly 2,300 removals. However, enforcement has varied over the years, influenced by shifting political priorities and diplomatic considerations.
The future of Indian undocumented migration remains uncertain. As US immigration policies continue to evolve and international migration routes shift, the number of undocumented Indian migrants may fluctuate in response. With border encounters on the rise, asylum claims increasing, and visa overstays remaining consistent, the issue is far from resolved. Stronger bilateral cooperation between India and the US, improved enforcement mechanisms, and clearer policies are essential to managing this complex and often overlooked challenge.
As of 2022, India ranks as the third-largest source of undocumented immigrants in the US, following Mexico and El Salvador. Estimates suggest that there were around 700,000 undocumented Indian nationals in the country, though other sources propose a significantly lower figure of approximately 375,000. This discrepancy highlights the uncertainty surrounding the actual size of this population.
Over the years, the number of undocumented Indians in the US has fluctuated. The peak was recorded in 2016, with approximately 560,000 unauthorized Indian migrants. However, by 2022, this figure had dropped by 60%, reaching an estimated 220,000. Various factors, such as changes in legal status, deportations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to this decline. Despite this, border encounters involving Indian nationals have surged, raising concerns that the actual number of undocumented individuals may have risen again in 2023.
A key factor in Indian undocumented migration is visa overstays. Many migrants initially enter the US legally but remain beyond their visa expiration dates. The visa overstay rate for Indian nationals has remained relatively stable at around 1.5% since 2016. Furthermore, the number of Indian recipients under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has steadily declined, from 2,600 in 2017 to 1,600 in 2024. These statistics indicate a shifting landscape in Indian migration patterns, with new entry methods and different motivations emerging over time.
Geographically, undocumented Indian migrants tend to reside in states with significant Indian-American populations. California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois are the most common destinations. In some states, such as Tennessee and California, more than 20% of the Indian immigrant population lacks legal status. Additionally, states like Ohio and Michigan have reported a notable percentage of unauthorized Indian residents. The concentration of Indian migrants in these areas reflects the availability of job opportunities, social networks, and cultural support systems that facilitate their stay.
Changing Migration Routes and the Rise in Asylum Seekers
A significant trend in recent years has been the rise in asylum applications from Indian nationals. The surge in asylum claims in 2023 represents a major shift in migration strategies. Traditionally, asylum seekers flee their home countries due to political persecution, religious discrimination, or other life-threatening conditions. However, many Indian asylum seekers—particularly from relatively wealthy states like Punjab and Gujarat—are believed to be motivated by economic aspirations rather than direct persecution.
Interestingly, Indian asylum applications from marginalized communities and religious minorities remain relatively low. This pattern suggests that the primary driver of migration is financial opportunity rather than personal safety. The high costs associated with illegal migration—ranging from 30 to 100 times India’s per capita income—indicate that this path is primarily pursued by individuals and families with the financial means to support such an expensive journey.
This shift in migration methods is not limited to the US. Indians have increasingly sought asylum in Canada, the UK, and Australia, indicating a broader trend of international migration beyond traditional employment-based visas. The relatively lenient entry policies in Canada have made it a preferred entry point for some Indian migrants attempting to cross into the US. In 2024, border encounters with Indian nationals increased significantly along the US-Canada border, suggesting a growing reliance on this route.
Despite the increasing numbers, the Indian government has largely remained passive in addressing illegal migration. The responsibility for managing undocumented immigration falls primarily on receiving nations like the US. Between 2009 and 2024, around 16,000 Indians were deported from the US, with deportation rates peaking in 2020 at nearly 2,300 removals. However, enforcement has varied over the years, influenced by shifting political priorities and diplomatic considerations.
The future of Indian undocumented migration remains uncertain. As US immigration policies continue to evolve and international migration routes shift, the number of undocumented Indian migrants may fluctuate in response. With border encounters on the rise, asylum claims increasing, and visa overstays remaining consistent, the issue is far from resolved. Stronger bilateral cooperation between India and the US, improved enforcement mechanisms, and clearer policies are essential to managing this complex and often overlooked challenge.
