In a year marked by heightened immigration debate and polarising rhetoric, new data reveals a sharp rise in the number of Indian nationals detained while attempting to enter the United States illegally. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a staggering 90,415 Indian immigrants were apprehended between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024 – an average of ten arrests every hour, reports the India-West Journal.
Of these, nearly 50% are reportedly from Gujarat, with India now ranking as the only non-Latin American country among the top five sources of undocumented immigrants entering the U.S. The number of undocumented Indian migrants has surged by 70% since 2011, marking the fastest growth rate among all nationalities, with significant increases seen from 2020 to 2023.
In a notable shift, many Indian migrants are now attempting entry via the Canadian border. In fiscal year 2024, CBP reported that 43,764 Indian nationals were detained at this northern border, the highest figure recorded for this crossing.
As the number of illegal entries has increased, so has the rate of deportations. U.S. government officials have intensified deportations of Indian nationals, repatriating over 1,100 in fiscal year 2024. Royce Bernstein Murray, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy, emphasised the legal risks involved, explaining that unauthorised entry through non-designated points constitutes a violation of U.S. immigration law. “Individuals crossing irregularly face deportation, a minimum five-year ban on re-entry, and potentially criminal charges for repeat violations,” she stated.
This spike in undocumented Indian immigrants has highlighted both the challenges and aspirations of those seeking better opportunities abroad. With the issue becoming a focal point in the U.S. election climate, calls for humane immigration reform and fair pathways to legal entry are resonating across communities.
