Record Surge in Undocumented Indian Crossings from Canada to the US Raises Concerns Over Visa Policies and Border Security

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Cover page; Page: 01)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context:

The article highlights a record increase in undocumented Indian crossings from Canada to the US, driven by visa policies and border conditions, alongside rising asylum claims in the UK.

 Analysis of News:                      

Migrant

• The International Organization for Migration defines a migrant as any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a state away from his/her habitual place of residence.
• Migration is the movement of people from one place to another, either permanently or temporarily.

Surge in Undocumented Indian Crossings from Canada to the US

• The number of undocumented Indians crossing from Canada into the United States on foot has reached a record high, surpassing those entering via the Mexico route.
• In June alone, 5,152 Indians entered the US from Canada, a sharp rise attributed to the accessible Canadian visa process and the relatively soft border compared to the US-Mexico border.

Canada’s Visa Process Under Scrutiny

• This surge has drawn attention to Canada’s visa screening process, especially as Indian nationals bound for Canada have also been seeking asylum in the UK during stopovers.
• Both the US and the UK have raised concerns with Canada, urging for more stringent visa checks and the introduction of transit visas for Indian passengers stopping in the UK.

Increase in Asylum Claims

• Parallelly, there has been a significant increase in asylum claims from Indian nationals in both Canada and the UK.
• In Canada, claims rose dramatically following a relaxation in visa policies aimed at attracting foreign students.
• This trend is echoed in the UK, where a loophole allowing Canada-bound Indians to transit without a visa has led to a spike in asylum applications.

Asylum Statistics

• UK: Indians have a very low chance of receiving asylum, with only 6-9% success, compared to higher rates for nationals from countries like China, Pakistan, and Iran. Between 2019-2023, fewer than 300 Indians were granted asylum or leave to remain. Despite efforts to reduce the backlog, over 95,000 applications were still pending at the end of 2023.
• US: The success rate for Indian asylum seekers remains below 15%, despite an increase in defensive asylum grants since 2018. The number of pending cases involving Indian nationals has surged, reaching 53,457 in 2023. The overall backlog in immigration courts is substantial, with nearly 8 lakh defensive asylum seekers awaiting hearings by the end of 2022.

Policy and Security Implications

• The rise in undocumented crossings and asylum claims has prompted calls for enhanced border security and more rigorous immigration controls in both the US and Canada.
• The situation highlights the complexities of immigration policies and the unintended consequences of visa leniencies, which can lead to increased illegal migration and strain on border enforcement.

Contributing Factors

The rise in unauthorized Indian migrants is attributed to various factors, including: Religious and Political Persecution: Some reports cite growing persecution against non-Hindus in India and a lack of economic opportunities as driving factors. Regional Origins: Contrary to expectations, many migrants are from relatively prosperous regions like Punjab-Haryana and Gujarat, driven by the belief that they can leverage existing diaspora networks to settle in the US or UK. Demographics These migrants are often young, from well-off but not highly educated backgrounds, and willing to take risks for a better life. Many travel via Canada, particularly when they are unlikely to qualify for UK visas directly.

PYQ: “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation”. Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society. (2021)

Practice Question:  Analyze the factors contributing to the rising number of Indian asylum seekers in the US and the UK. Discuss the challenges these countries face in processing these applications and the implications for their immigration systems. (250 words/15 m)