Why Indian Immigrants Are Pursuing Their American Aspirations

Economic Opportunities and Migration

Primary Driver of Migration

Economic opportunity remains the primary driver of migration for Indians, reinforced by social networks and a sense of pride in having family members settled in the US.

Economic Opportunity Remains Primary Driver of Migration

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in Indian nationals being repatriated by charter and commercial flights from the US. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, over 1,000 Indian nationals were repatriated in the fiscal year 2024, marking a steady increase in removals over the past few years.

Demographics of Indian Migrants

The majority of Indian migrants are male, aged 18-34, and often rely on agencies charging up to $100,000 for assistance. Many sell farms or take out loans to afford this cost.

Economic Opportunity Remains Primary Driver

Economic opportunity remains the primary driver of migration, reinforced by social networks and a sense of pride in having family members settled in the US. The Swanton Sector has experienced a surge in encounters with Indian nationals since early this year, peaking at 2,715 in June.

Informal Jobs and the Road Ahead

Despite the risks, many Indians continue to attempt to cross into the US in search of economic opportunities and better lives. Once in the country, they often enter informal jobs like domestic labor and restaurant work. Things may become more difficult soon, with Canada considering similar policies to prevent people migrating into the US from its borders.

However, it remains unclear what the future holds, and one thing is certain: the dreams driving thousands of desperate Indians to seek a better life in the US are unlikely to fade, even as the road ahead becomes more perilous.

Indian Migration to the US: Key Statistics and Trends

Estimated Number of Undocumented Indian Immigrants

As of 2022, an estimated 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants were in the US, making them the third-largest group after those from Mexico and El Salvador (Pew Research Center).

Demographics of Indian Migrants

The majority of Indian migrants are young adults aged 18-34. A significant number come from the states of Punjab and Haryana.

Cost of Migration

The cost of migrating to the US can be up to $100,000, with many selling their farms or taking out loans to fund their journey.

Border Crossing Trends

The US-Canada border has become a more accessible entry point for Indians, with a visitor visa processing time of 76 days compared to up to a year for a US visa in India.

Repatriation Trends

Over 1,000 Indian nationals were repatriated from the US in the fiscal year 2024, marking a steady increase in removals over the past few years (US Department of Homeland Security).

Family Units at the Border

Family units now make up 16-18% of detentions at both borders, leading to tragic consequences such as the freezing to death of an Indian family of four just 12m from the border in Canada.

Much of the Migration Appears to Originate from Punjab and Haryana

Much of the migration appears to originate from the Sikh-dominated Indian state of Punjab and neighbouring Haryana, which is facing economic hardships. Migration has long been common among Punjabis, with rural youth eager to move abroad. The rise in tensions over the separatist Khalistan movement may also provide a credible basis for claims of persecution that allows Sikhs to seek asylum.

Family Units on the Rise

Family units now make up 16-18% of detentions at both borders, leading to tragic consequences such as the freezing to death of an Indian family of four just 12m from the border in Canada. This trend suggests that more families are attempting to cross the border in search of better lives.

Undocumented Indians in the US

According to data from the Pew Research Center, an estimated 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants were in the US as of 2022, making them the third-largest group after those from Mexico and El Salvador. The majority of these migrants are young adults aged 18-34, with a significant number coming from the states of Punjab and Haryana.

Many have sold their farms or taken out loans to fund their journey, which can cost up to $100,000. The US-Canada border has become a more accessible entry point for Indians, with a visitor visa processing time of 76 days compared to up to a year for a US visa in India.

Informal Jobs and the Road Ahead