Amid growing economic challenges and rising unemployment, thousands of Indian citizens are attempting to leave the country, often through illegal migration routes. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure of over a decade, his government has struggled to tackle these issues, leading to frustration among various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
Between October 2020 and 2024, more than 170,000 Indians were apprehended at US borders for attempting unauthorized entry. In 2024 alone, over 1,000 undocumented Indian migrants were deported from the United States, a reflection of the increasing migration from economically distressed states like Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
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By 2022, official data revealed that 725,000 Indians were living in the US without proper documentation, making them the third-largest undocumented migrant group globally. Many migrants favor the Canada-US border for entry, with a rising number of young individuals aged 18 to 34 attempting to cross.
Experts note that many of the migrants from Punjab are Sikhs, who cite discrimination and government pressure related to the Khalistan movement as driving factors. Additionally, the allure of underground job opportunities in North America, despite the risk of deportation, continues to draw many Indians.
Both the US and Canada are increasing border security and considering stricter policies to curb illegal migration, which they view as a significant national security issue. Experts warn that migration pressures may escalate unless India’s economic situation improves.
