Record 43,764 Indians Apprehended at U.S.-Canada Border Amid Rising Illegal Immigration

In Fiscal Year 2024, US authorities apprehended a total of 2.9 million illegal immigrants, which included 43,764 Indians at the U.S.-Canada border, marking the highest number ever recorded. A noticeable shift in preferred routes indicates that fewer individuals are trying to enter through Mexico. While enhanced security measures are in place at both borders, they only partially address the issue, as many continue to attempt illegal entry.

The challenge of illegal immigration from India to the United States remains significant. Data from US Customs and Border Protection (US-CBP) reveals that between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, a total of 2.9 million illegal immigrants were apprehended at US borders with Mexico and Canada.

During this timeframe, around 10 Indians were detained every hour while attempting to cross US borders. Notably, 43,764 Indians were apprehended at the U.S.-Canada border, which represents the highest figure ever recorded for Indian nationals at that point of entry.

Changing Routes: Canada Becomes the Preferred Choice  

The data shows a slight reduction in overall illegal immigration compared to the previous fiscal year, which recorded 3.2 million apprehensions. Specifically, the number of Indians caught trying to enter the U.S. through the Mexico border dropped to 25,616, down from 41,770 in Fiscal Year 2023.

This decline is linked to changing route preferences. An immigration network source informed TOI that "people have moved away from the 'donkey route' through Mexico for two primary reasons. First, many individuals were often detained in transit countries such as Dubai or Turkey before being smuggled into Mexico. However, U.S. authorities have ramped up surveillance of illegal immigrants in these countries, disrupting the smuggling operations."

Heightened Security on the Northern Border  

As scrutiny at the Mexico border has increased, many Gujaratis have begun opting for the northern route through Canada, which is perceived to be a less risky crossing into the U.S. Immigrants frequently enter Canada using visitor visas and then attempt to cross into the U.S. by hiring local taxis. Nonetheless, U.S. authorities have also intensified monitoring along this border recently.

Despite these enhanced efforts, experts acknowledge that the number of individuals apprehended likely represents only a small fraction of those who manage to enter the U.S. illegally. "Gujaratis have increasingly favored Canada over Mexico as it appears to be an easier option, but many of those caught often attempt to cross again later