The undocumented Indian population in the U.S. is a subject of debate, with varying estimates and a sharp decline in numbers since 2016. Recent asylum claims have surged, driven by economic factors rather than persecution, as thousands risk their lives chasing the American Dream.
Surging Asylum Claims: Unpacking Undocumented Indian Migration in the U.S.
Surging Asylum Claims: Unpacking Undocumented Indian Migration in the U.S.
New research reveals striking trends and statistics on undocumented Indian immigrants in the U.S., as rising asylum claims highlight a complex landscape of migration.
Recent insights from a study by Abby Budiman and Devesh Kapur of Johns Hopkins University have brought to light the ongoing migration trends among undocumented Indians in the U.S. Amid the backdrop of escalated deportation policies from the Trump administration and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to repatriate illegal nationals, approximately 18,000 Indians are believed to have entered the U.S. illegally.
The report highlights the complexity of estimating the undocumented Indian population, which varies with sources. Pew Research estimates around 700,000 undocumented Indians reside in the U.S., making them the third-largest group of unauthorized migrants, following those from Mexico and El Salvador. However, the Migration Policy Institute suggests a lower figure of 375,000, while government data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicates about 220,000 as of 2022.
Despite these discrepancies, one trend stands out: the undocumented Indian population has significantly decreased from its peak in 2016 when it was estimated at 560,000. Reasons for this decline include legal adjustments and returns to India, likely exacerbated due to the hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, this figure may not adequately reflect a surge in Indian border crossings since then.
Indian crossing encounters along the U.S.-Mexico border have notably surged. In FY 2024, 36% of Indian crossings occurred on the U.S.-Canada border, a significant rise from only 4% in the previous year. This shift indicates that Canada has become an increasingly popular entry point for Indian migrants, mainly due to shorter visitor visa processing times.
The states hosting the largest populations of undocumented Indians remain California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois. The Indian immigrant community tends to blend into local businesses, especially within ethnic markets, making it easier for individuals to navigate life in the U.S. without authorization. This integration can be crucial, given who seeks asylum.
Asylum requests have escalated dramatically, with applications rising from around 5,000 in 2021 to over 51,000 in 2023. Predominantly Punjabi-speakers, these asylum seekers are believed to stem from wealthier regions within India, such as Punjab and Gujarat—areas with existing migration histories, contrasting the struggles faced by poorer populations and those from conflict zones.
The implications of these findings showcase a deeper narrative of aspiration rather than persecution, where 'relative deprivation' fuels the desire for a better life abroad. Meanwhile, the Indian government appears largely passive on the issue of illegal migration, focusing more on international relations than its root causes. An estimated 16,000 Indians have been deported from the U.S. between 2009 and 2024, with spikes observed under various administrations.
As the complexities of undocumented migration in the U.S. unravel, the dream of a better life continues to drive many, maintaining a steady influx of individuals navigating the murky waters of immigration policy.
