Thousands of Indian citizens, facing economic difficulties and rising unemployment, are seeking to leave the country, often through unauthorized migration channels. Despite over a decade in power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has struggled to address these challenges, prompting discontent among various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
Reports reveal that between October 2020 and 2024, over 170,000 Indians were detained at US borders for attempting illegal entry. In 2024 alone, more than 1,000 undocumented Indian migrants were deported from the United States, reflecting a growing trend in migration from economically distressed states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
According to official data, 725,000 Indians were residing in the US without proper documentation by 2022, making them the third-largest undocumented migrant group in the world. Many use the Canada-US border as a preferred entry route, with an increasing number of young individuals aged 18 to 34 attempting to cross.
Analysts highlight that a significant proportion of migrants from Punjab are Sikhs, who cite discrimination and government pressure stemming from the Khalistan movement as key factors. Simultaneously, many Indians are attracted by the prospect of clandestine job opportunities in North America despite the risks of deportation.
Authorities in both the US and Canada are tightening border security, considering stricter policies to curb illegal migration, which they view as a significant national security challenge. Experts predict that migration pressures may intensify unless India’s domestic economic situation improves.
