Does the Surge Challenge Narratives of National Progress?

Newsreel Asia Insight #42
Nov. 12, 2023

In a striking revelation, the most recent data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection unveils a stark reality: a staggering 96,917 Indians were detained between October 2022 and September 2023 for illegally entering the United States. This five-fold surge in numbers from previous years challenges the narrative of India’s progress and raises profound questions about the reasons driving such a mass exodus.

The data paints a vivid picture: from 19,883 Indians arrested in 2019–20, the numbers escalated to 30,662 in 2020–21, and further to 63,927 in 2021–22, The Hindu reported, saying that a significant portion of these migrants, predominantly from Punjab and Gujarat, were apprehended near the Canadian and Mexican borders.

U.S. Senator James Lankford’s observations on the Senate floor add a layer of complexity to this issue. According to him, these migrants, paying hefty sums to cartels, travel through multiple countries, including France, to reach Mexico. From there, they are transported to the U.S. border, often under dangerous conditions. The involvement of international criminal networks in this migration underlines the desperation and risks people are willing, apparently to take for a better life.

The Senator’s remarks also shed light on the misuse of the asylum process. He points out that these migrants, coached by the cartels, often claim fear in their home country to gain entry into the U.S. This misuse of the asylum system not only undermines its integrity but also puts genuine asylum seekers at a disadvantage.

Law enforcement officials say the current statistics only reflect the incidents that have been officially recorded, suggesting that the actual figures could be substantially higher. A police officer in Gujarat, as quoted by The Times of India, said, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. For every person caught at the border, there may be at least 10 others who successfully infiltrated the U.S.” 

The issue extends beyond just the large-scale illegal migration to the United States.

The U.K. government recently decided to classify India as a “safe state,” as reported by ANI. This move came amid an observed increase in the number of Indians arriving via small boats over the past year, despite no apparent risk of persecution facing them.

This designation means a swift return for Indians arriving illegally, without the possibility of an appeal on grounds of alleged persecution. In a statement, the U.K. Home Office emphasised the need to prevent abuse of the system

The rise in the number of Indians using illegal routes to the U.S. and the U.K., despite not facing obvious persecution, suggests a broader issue of migration in pursuit of better life being masked as asylum seeking. It may also indicate a deep-seated disillusionment with the opportunities at home, driving people to embark on perilous journeys, often at the mercy of criminal cartels.

The heart of this crisis perhaps lies in the disparity between the perceived progress in India and the reality experienced by many of its citizens. Despite projections of India having more global presence and economic advancements, a significant portion of its population appears to be disenfranchised and disillusioned as well as a lack of faith in the future within their home country.

It's more than just illegal migration; overall migration rates are also rapidly increasing.

Statista’s data reveals that 2022 saw a significant increase in the number of Indian students seeking education abroad. A record-breaking estimate of 750,000 students emigrated for their academic endeavours.

A 2021 study by RedSeer Strategy Consultants further highlighted a swift expansion of Indian students studying abroad until 2019, reaching close to 800,000. This number is expected to more than double by 2024, potentially reaching up to 1.8 million students, according to the study’s projection.

While it reflects a high value placed on education, it may also be indicative of gaps in the domestic education system or dissatisfaction with the political, social or economic conditions in the home country.

The number of Indians who renounced their citizenship in 2018 was 134,561. In 2019, it increased to 144,017, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. In 2020, there was a decrease to 85,256, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the number rose significantly to 163,370. In 2022, it further increased to 225,620.

This situation of illegal migration demands a dual approach. On the one hand, countries like the U.S. and U.K. must find humane but effective ways to manage immigration, ensuring the integrity of their borders and the safety of migrants. On the other hand, India needs to introspect and address the underlying causes driving its citizens to such desperate measures, extending its focus beyond the prevalent narrative of progress and development.

To deal with the increasing migration in general, which can lead to brain-drain, the government must also address the existing divisive social and political climate, which contributes to a general sense of disenchantment among the populace.