Over recent years, the number of undocumented Indian immigrants in the US has become a significant topic of discussion, particularly following policy actions from both the US and Indian governments. A new report indicates a drop in the population of undocumented Indians, while also highlighting the complexities surrounding asylum claims and migration patterns.
New Insights into the Landscape of Undocumented Indian Immigrants in the US
New Insights into the Landscape of Undocumented Indian Immigrants in the US
A recent study uncovers the complexities behind the growing undocumented Indian population in the United States, revealing migration patterns, demographic insights, and the impacts of policy changes.
Article:
In recent years, the issue of undocumented Indian immigrants in the United States has come under intense scrutiny, especially amid shifting immigration policies. A study by researchers Abby Budiman and Devesh Kapur from Johns Hopkins University delves into this topic, offering a clearer understanding of the trends and challenges faced by undocumented Indians.
The current discourse on illegal immigration is framed by the policies of former President Donald Trump, who has designated the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants as a priority. The US government has reportedly identified about 18,000 Indians believed to be residing illegally in the country. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed India's commitment to repatriate these undocumented nationals, emphasizing the need to combat the human trafficking that often lures these individuals on perilous journeys for a better life in America.
The study reveals that estimates of undocumented Indians in the US vary significantly, with projections ranging from as low as 220,000 according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to as high as 700,000 from the Pew Research Center. These variations point to the challenges in measuring the exact size of this population, especially as official numbers suggest a noteworthy decline of around 60% from their peak in 2016 to 2022.
The report also observes intriguing shifts in migration routes. In the past, most undocumented Indians entered the US through its southern border, but recent years have seen a rising number of crossings over the US-Canada border, suggesting changing tactics among migrants. Encounter rates for Indian nationals at the northern border rose dramatically from just 4% in the preceding year to 36% in 2024. This shift can be attributed partly to more favorable visa processing times in Canada.
The demographics of Indian asylum seekers shed further light on the issue. Primarily consisting of Punjabi speakers, those seeking asylum in the US have surged tenfold from approximately 5,000 in 2021 to over 51,000 in 2023. However, experts caution that many asylum claims may be less about genuine fear of persecution and more a strategic maneuver to navigate the immigration system, given the lengthy processing times for these applications.
The study highlights some key states where undocumented Indians are concentrated, with California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York leading in numbers. Those without legal status often find employment within their ethnic communities, making them less visible in the broader population.
Underlying this migration trend is a complex narrative of aspiration and relative deprivation. The journey to the US is costly—often requiring significant financial resources, which may only be available to families from wealthier regions like Punjab and Gujarat. As these regions continue to see significant emigration, the involvement of brokers and agents fuels a growing underground economy tied to irregular migration.
Between 2009 and 2024, about 16,000 Indian nationals have faced deportation, with numbers fluctuating under different administrations. The current political climate, characterized by strong anti-immigration stances, suggests potential future impacts on Indian nationals residing illegally in the US. As immigration debates continue, understanding the nuances of undocumented immigrants, particularly those from India, remains crucial in shaping policy responses and public perceptions.
As the situation evolves, the growing community of undocumented Indians represents not only a migration issue but also a reflection of the intertwining of ambition, economic conditions, and governmental policies that shape the narrative of the American Dream.
In recent years, the issue of undocumented Indian immigrants in the United States has come under intense scrutiny, especially amid shifting immigration policies. A study by researchers Abby Budiman and Devesh Kapur from Johns Hopkins University delves into this topic, offering a clearer understanding of the trends and challenges faced by undocumented Indians.
The current discourse on illegal immigration is framed by the policies of former President Donald Trump, who has designated the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants as a priority. The US government has reportedly identified about 18,000 Indians believed to be residing illegally in the country. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed India's commitment to repatriate these undocumented nationals, emphasizing the need to combat the human trafficking that often lures these individuals on perilous journeys for a better life in America.
The study reveals that estimates of undocumented Indians in the US vary significantly, with projections ranging from as low as 220,000 according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to as high as 700,000 from the Pew Research Center. These variations point to the challenges in measuring the exact size of this population, especially as official numbers suggest a noteworthy decline of around 60% from their peak in 2016 to 2022.
The report also observes intriguing shifts in migration routes. In the past, most undocumented Indians entered the US through its southern border, but recent years have seen a rising number of crossings over the US-Canada border, suggesting changing tactics among migrants. Encounter rates for Indian nationals at the northern border rose dramatically from just 4% in the preceding year to 36% in 2024. This shift can be attributed partly to more favorable visa processing times in Canada.
The demographics of Indian asylum seekers shed further light on the issue. Primarily consisting of Punjabi speakers, those seeking asylum in the US have surged tenfold from approximately 5,000 in 2021 to over 51,000 in 2023. However, experts caution that many asylum claims may be less about genuine fear of persecution and more a strategic maneuver to navigate the immigration system, given the lengthy processing times for these applications.
The study highlights some key states where undocumented Indians are concentrated, with California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York leading in numbers. Those without legal status often find employment within their ethnic communities, making them less visible in the broader population.
Underlying this migration trend is a complex narrative of aspiration and relative deprivation. The journey to the US is costly—often requiring significant financial resources, which may only be available to families from wealthier regions like Punjab and Gujarat. As these regions continue to see significant emigration, the involvement of brokers and agents fuels a growing underground economy tied to irregular migration.
Between 2009 and 2024, about 16,000 Indian nationals have faced deportation, with numbers fluctuating under different administrations. The current political climate, characterized by strong anti-immigration stances, suggests potential future impacts on Indian nationals residing illegally in the US. As immigration debates continue, understanding the nuances of undocumented immigrants, particularly those from India, remains crucial in shaping policy responses and public perceptions.
As the situation evolves, the growing community of undocumented Indians represents not only a migration issue but also a reflection of the intertwining of ambition, economic conditions, and governmental policies that shape the narrative of the American Dream.
