An unprecedented number of Indian immigrants are entering the US via its southern border, new federal statistics have revealed – with 42,000 intercepted in the past year alone.
The number, unveiled last month by US Customs and Border Protection, is more than double the amount from the same period the year prior – when crossings by Indians were already at a record high.
What’s more, an additional 1,600 have crossed from the northern border amid the rising phenomenon – four times the amount of the past three years combined.
Nearly all turn themselves in to Border Patrol – who then process them as asylum-seekers due to recent unrest surrounding India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Since 2007, the total number of annual illegal border crossings from India only exceeded 5,000 four times.
CBP’s total encounters along the border this past year were more than 2million, meaning migrants from India represented just under 2 percent of that sample set.
A litany of other factors, political and socioeconomic included, has since spurred the sizable jump – which has also been bolstered by records from other demographics.
A Year of Unprecedented Migration: Over 2 Million Border Crossings
Last year, we saw an unprecedented number of border crossings, with over 2 million people making the journey. Among these were migrants from India, who made up just under 2% of this vast number.
A Record-Breaking Month
The fiscal year, which began last October, saw a staggering 210,000 apprehensions in just one month. This was the highest number recorded in all of 2023. This record-breaking month brought the total number of migrant encounters for the fiscal year to an all-time high of 2.48 million, up from 2.38 million in 2022.
Breaking World Records
In 2022, the 2.38 million crossings had set a world record. However, this record was soon surpassed as more and more asylum-seekers, like Sikh supporter Arshdeep Singh, continued to enter the country.
Arshdeep Singh’s Journey
Singh, a 23-year-old from Punjab, shared his story with The Wall Street Journal. He spent 40 days this summer migrating to the US. Instead of trying to evade capture, he turned himself in to ask for asylum – a request that was granted before he arrived in Fresno, Southern California.
A Dangerous Path
Singh shared how he was threatened by men he believed were affiliated with India’s ruling, Hindu-centered party. His father made arrangements for him to leave, adding to the current humanitarian crisis at the border. However, Singh found that the journey to the US was just as dangerous as staying in Punjab. He described the roundabout and perilous way he made it into the country.
The Humanitarian Crisis Continues
In conclusion, the path to the US turned out to be just as dangerous as it had been for Singh to stay in Punjab. His story is just one of many, shedding light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the border.H2: The Rising Tide of Indian Immigrants at the US Border
In a video captured just a few weeks ago, a group of men, who seemed to be of Indian origin, were seen illicitly crossing into the United States. Their entry point was somewhere along the southern border, and their voices echoed with Hindu religious chants like ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Bajrang Bali’.
A Growing Trend Amid Political Unrest
This isn’t an isolated incident. Over the past year, similar videos have surfaced, painting a picture of the escalating number of Indians seeking refuge in the US. This surge is largely due to the political unrest brewing in their homeland.
A Record High in Border Crossings
The statistics released last month by the US Customs and Border Protection are staggering. The number of Indian immigrants crossing the border has more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Even then, the crossings by Indians were at an all-time high.
The Northern Border Sees a Spike Too
Interestingly, the southern border isn’t the only entry point witnessing this surge. An additional 1,600 individuals have crossed from the northern border, a number that’s four times the combined total of the last three years.
Asylum Seekers Amid Political Unrest
Almost all of these immigrants willingly turn themselves in to the Border Patrol. They are then processed as asylum-seekers, a status granted due to the recent unrest surrounding India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
The Role of Nationalist Policies and Social Media
Many believe that the nationalist policies implemented by India’s pro-Hindu prime minister are the catalyst for this sudden increase in numbers. Coupled with the success stories of those who have already made the journey – now widely shared on social media – this has sparked a mass exodus. Every day, new footage surfaces showing men and women embarking on different journeys to reach America.
The Tucson Sector: A Popular Destination
Many of these migrants are found arriving in the Tucson sector of Arizona. The daily number of arrivals is steadily increasing.
A Journey of Hope and Desperation
Imagine this: every day, over 2,000 people from all corners of the globe converge at a single point. They’re not here for a festival or a grand event. They’re here to cross borders, to seek a better life. This is the reality at the US border.
A Harrowing Journey from New Delhi to California
Let’s take a look at one man’s journey. He started in New Delhi, flew to Hungary, where he was confined in a small room for 10 days, surviving on just bread and water. From there, he flew to France, then Mexico City, where he was again kept in a room for a week.
His journey didn’t end there. He took another flight, followed by a bus ride, and finally hitched his way to the US border. It was a journey fraught with uncertainty and danger, but he was driven by hope.
Arrival at the US Border
Upon crossing into California, he was taken to a processing center. There, he saw several others who had embarked on a similar journey from India. They were all allowed in, virtually without question. This was thanks to nationalist policies put in place by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which experts believe are responsible for the recent surge in numbers.
The Role of Modi’s Policies
Modi’s Hindu-first policies, as an associate recently told the New York Times, are a calculated attempt to ‘convert all of India into believers of Hinduism.’ This, coupled with success stories from those who have already made the trip – now widely shared on social media – have fueled the charge.
These stories of successful border crossings, rife on platforms like TikTok, inspire others to undertake the same perilous journey, hoping for a better life on the other side.
A Glimpse into the Journey of Indian Migrants to America
Every day, we see new stories unfolding, showing men and women from different corners of the world embarking on unique journeys to reach America. One such story that caught my attention recently involved a group of men who appeared to be Indian, making their way into the US.
The Journey Across the Southern Border
In a video clip recorded late last month, these men were seen illegally crossing the US border at an unspecified point along the southern frontier. What made this scene particularly striking was the chanting of Hindu religious slogans like ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Bajrang Bali’ that echoed in the air as they made their way across.
The Bigger Picture: Border Encounters
To put things into perspective, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported more than two million encounters along the border in the past year. This means that migrants from India represented just under 2 percent of that sample set.
Record-Breaking Migrant Encounters
The record-breaking number of migrant encounters for the fiscal year reached a staggering 2.48 million, up from 2.38 million in 2022. This was the first time in history that such a figure had been recorded. The previous record of 2.38 million had been a world record, but it has since been surpassed as asylum-seekers continue to pour into the country.
The Influence of India’s Hindu-First Policies
An associate of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently told the New York Times that India’s Hindu-first policies are part of a calculated attempt to ‘convert all of India into believers of Hinduism’. This political climate may be one of the factors influencing the migration patterns we’re seeing.
A Glimpse from the Jungles of Panama
In another video clip, presumably Indian migrants were seen traversing deep within the jungles of Panama. This is just another testament to the lengths people are willing to go to in search of a better life.## The Darien Gap: A Dangerous Passage to Hope
Once upon a time, the Darien Gap, a treacherous stretch of land straddling the Colombia-Panama border, was a journey few dared to undertake. Today, however, it’s a different story. The current migrant crisis has seen a surge of brave souls daring to traverse its dense jungles, all in the hope of reaching Mexico and beyond.
The Darien Gap: A Roadless Jungle
The Darien Gap is no ordinary journey. It’s a 66-mile stretch of roadless, mountainous jungle and swamp, a territory rife with armed guerillas and drug traffickers. Despite the dangers, crossings have skyrocketed, with estimates suggesting that up to 500,000 people could attempt the journey this year alone.
The Migratory Highway: A Dangerous Path to the US
This perilous route, akin to the miles of freight trains winding through Mexico, is one of several methods being exploited by various groups, including Indians. Some even resort to smugglers masquerading as travel agents to gain access to the US, and it’s not always from the South.
Tragic Tales of Border Crossings
In April of this year, a heartbreaking incident occurred. Four Indians were found dead near the U.S-Canada border, victims of a capsized boat during an illegal crossing attempt. This wasn’t an isolated incident. Last January, four Indians froze to death near the U.S border in Canada’s Manitoba.
In a more fortunate turn of events, American officials managed to rescue six Indians from the Saint Regis River in April. They received a report about a sinking boat near the southern border and were able to save everyone onboard just in time.
Last August, seven more Indians were apprehended by authorities while attempting to cross over to the US from Quebec.
The Surge in Migrants: A Global Crisis
The increasing number of migrants attempting to enter the US underscores the scale of the global migrant crisis. The desperate journeys and tragic incidents highlight the lengths people are willing to go to in search of a better life.## The Humanitarian Crisis at the Border: A Political Hurdle for President Joe Biden
The border crisis is not just a humanitarian issue, but also a political challenge for President Joe Biden. The surge in illegal movements, primarily from India, has been escalating since October of last year. This situation is not only testing the administration’s capabilities but also shaping the political landscape as Biden gears up for re-election in 2024.
The Spike in Illegal Movements
The increase in border crossings is alarming. Administration officials attribute this surge to migration from countries like India and others outside the Western Hemisphere. They believe that the US’s failure to effectively manage the influx of illegal entries at the southern border is a significant contributing factor.
The Logistical Challenge
The situation is further complicated by the US’s lack of relationships with these countries. This makes it incredibly difficult and expensive to enforce a cap on immigration. The US is grappling with the logistical challenge of addressing the parade of illegal entries at the southern border.
The Humanitarian Crisis and Political Implications
The surge in migrants underscores the scale of the humanitarian crisis at the border. This crisis presents a significant political challenge for President Joe Biden as he seeks re-election in 2024. The administration’s handling of the situation could potentially influence the outcome of the upcoming election.
The CBP’s Stance
Despite the challenges, the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) remains vigilant. “We will continue to make operational adjustments as necessary and enforce consequences under US immigration law,” said Troy A. Miller, the acting CBP commissioner, in a statement last week.
The Shift in Nationality of Illegal Crossings
Interestingly, the new data reveals a shift in the nationality of those arrested for illegally crossing the US border. Venezuelans have now surpassed other nationalities, becoming the largest group arrested for illegal border crossings last month. This shift further complicates the already complex border crisis.## A Historic Scale of Migration: The First Time Mexicans Outnumber Central Americans
For the first time in recorded history, Mexicans are outnumbering Central Americans in migration. This unprecedented shift has been described as ‘historic’ by Miller, a key figure in the ongoing situation. He emphasized that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is actively collaborating with both domestic and foreign partners to address this issue and enhance enforcement measures.
The Biden Administration’s Proposed Solution
In response to this escalating crisis, the Biden administration has proposed a substantial $14 billion allocation for border control in a recently announced $106 billion spending package. The administration has been firm in its stance that any long-term resolution to this issue necessitates assistance from Congress.
A Boost in Asylum Processing Personnel
The White House’s proposal includes a significant $1.6 billion to hire an additional 1,600 asylum officers and processing personnel. This could potentially double the current workforce handling asylum cases, thereby speeding up the processing time and easing the pressure on existing staff.
Additional Immigration Judges and Border Patrol Agents
The proposal also suggests allocating around $1.4 billion of the total sum to employ an extra 375 immigration judges and their respective teams. This would be in addition to funding for 1,300 new border patrol agents, further strengthening the resources available to manage the situation at the border.
The Ongoing Crisis
Despite these proposed measures, the crisis continues. The situation remains fluid and the need for effective solutions is more pressing than ever. The historic scale of migration presents both challenges and opportunities, and the response will undoubtedly shape the future of immigration policy.
Photo: Freepik.com
