Understanding India’s Illegal Migration Issue

Recently, more than 100 illegal Indian immigrants were deported from the United States.

This was after the U.S. government intensified its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations to identify, detain, and deport individuals without proper documentation.

Illegal Migration: It is the movement of people from the boundaries of one country to another without valid documents and through illegal means.
Between June and October 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported 1,60,000 deportations, including many Indians.
India has around 7,25,000 undocumented immigrants in the U.S., making it one of the largest groups facing deportation.
Concerns:
- It is a huge concern for many countries as it distorts security, creates social tensions, and also exploits public services.
  - Economic impact: Illegal migrants exploit countries healthcare, education, and other public services without contributing to the country in terms of paying tax or taking part in the election processes.
  - Social Impact: It creates social tensions with the rise in population. Moreover, illegal migrants are very much prone to getting exploited by criminals, employers, and traffickers.
  - Security issues: It facilitates cross-border criminal activities.

Most of the Indians migrate to Mexico and Canada in search of better opportunities.
The main reasons behind this trend are:
- Economic problems: Lack of well-paying jobs forces people to look abroad.
- Agricultural distress: Farmers struggle to make a living, pushing them to migrate.
- Social pressures: Success stories of migrants encourage others to follow, despite risks.

India needs a two-step approach to tackle illegal migration:
- Stronger border control and awareness programmes Educate people about the dangers of illegal migration and enforce stricter rules.
- Address economic and social issues. Create more jobs and improve living conditions to reduce the need for migration.
Initiatives Taken to counter illegal migration
- ‘Surakshit Jayen Prashikshit Jayen’ campaign: Initiative of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to raise awareness of using safe and legal channels while travelling for employment abroad.
- Migration and mobility partnership agreements to encourage legal and orderly migration, assure the return of identified illegal migrants to their country, and combat irregular migration.
- Border management: Construction of physical infrastructure in the form of border fencing, floodlighting, etc.
- Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to improve situational awareness along border areas.
- Regular patrolling and anti-tunnelling exercise by Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, etc. to stop illegal infiltration.

India cannot change U.S. immigration policies, but it can work on solving the root causes of migration.
The government must act with empathy and urgency to protect its citizens and provide them with better opportunities at home.
Balancing border control and economic growth is the key to reducing illegal migration from India.

Important Links