By Moselaunch 
The allure of the American Dream has driven thousands of Indian migrants to risk everything, undertaking perilous journeys to reach the United States. The trend has grown so pronounced that in the fiscal year 2024 alone, over 1,000 Indian nationals were deported, highlighting the increasing stakes and challenges faced by these individuals. This surge underscores deeper socio-economic and political factors driving migration, as well as the evolving dynamics of US immigration policies.
Escalating Deportations Reflect a Grim Reality
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has amplified its focus on deporting undocumented Indian migrants, with large-scale “removal flights” returning hundreds to their homeland. Most of these deportees originate from states like Punjab, where economic distress and unemployment leave many searching for better opportunities abroad. In the past year, nearly 170,000 Indian nationals were apprehended attempting unauthorized crossings at the US-Mexico or US-Canada borders. While this figure is smaller than those from Latin America, it marks a significant rise in Indian migration and deportations.
Why Indians Take the Risk
Contrary to popular belief, many of these migrants are not from impoverished backgrounds. They often belong to middle-class families but lack the qualifications to secure tourist or student visas. Instead, they turn to costly agencies, paying as much as $100,000 for intricate routes designed to bypass border controls. The financial toll is immense—many sell farmland or take on crushing debts to fund these journeys.
Their age demographic further sheds light on the phenomenon; most migrants are males aged 18-34, driven by a desire to provide for their families. Some come from states like Punjab and Gujarat, regions with long histories of migration. Economic stagnation, a rising drug crisis in Punjab, and the appeal of remittances contribute to this trend.
Changing Migration Routes
Historically, Indian migrants predominantly crossed through the southern US-Mexico border, entering via Central American countries like El Salvador. However, tightened visa restrictions have shifted routes northward. Canada has emerged as a favored entry point due to shorter visa processing times—76 days compared to up to a year for US visas.
The Swanton Sector along the US-Canada border has seen a dramatic rise in encounters, with 2,715 Indian migrants apprehended in June 2024 alone. Unlike the US-Mexico border, which is heavily patrolled and rife with organized crime, the northern border offers a slightly less perilous alternative. However, the journey remains grueling, with migrants facing freezing temperatures and other dangers.
Political and Cultural Factors Driving Migration
The political climate in India also plays a significant role. Rising tensions over the separatist Khalistan movement have led some Sikhs to claim persecution, which they use as grounds for asylum applications in the US. While these claims vary in legitimacy, they reflect a broader fear among certain groups about political and religious targeting.
Furthermore, Punjab’s youth view migration as a rite of passage, driven by dreams of financial stability and a better future. A study conducted in Punjab found that 56% of migrants left between the ages of 18-28, primarily after completing secondary education.
What Lies Ahead for Migrants
The increasing repatriations signal a growing crackdown by US authorities, particularly under immigration policies promising stricter border enforcement. While the journey to America is fraught with danger and uncertainty, the allure of better opportunities continues to outweigh the risks for many Indian migrants.
For policymakers, addressing the root causes of migration—economic hardships, lack of employment, and political tensions—will be critical in curbing irregular migration. For the migrants themselves, the dream of a better life remains a driving force, one that transcends borders and barriers.