In recent years, more Indian nationals have been taking a dangerous and complicated journey to the United States, often traveling through Mexico. Some succeed, while others face harsh consequences, such as deportation or long periods of detention. Experts believe that this issue will continue to be a big topic in the upcoming U.S. elections, as both political parties seem likely to maintain strict immigration policies.
The Indian Embassy in Mexico recently issued a strong warning to its citizens, advising them against traveling to Mexico in hopes of crossing into the U.S. illegally. This advisory was released after reports surfaced of Indian migrants facing extreme difficulties, such as being detained for long periods or deported back to India.
Migration from India to the U.S. has been steadily increasing, with Mexico becoming an important stopover for many of these travelers. According to experts, smugglers, known as “coyotes,” take advantage of this situation by offering to guide migrants through secret routes, known as “Donkey routes” or “Dunki flights.” These routes are especially common in northern Indian states like Punjab and Haryana, where smugglers charge between $50,000 to $100,000 for their services.
Once these migrants reach countries like Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, or Guatemala, they begin a difficult journey northward, often under the supervision of criminal gangs. The journey’s difficulty and danger depend on how much money the migrants can pay. These smugglers demand payments at different stages, with the final payment often made at the U.S.-Mexico border.
A report from the Pew Research Center in 2022 stated that there are approximately 725,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants in the U.S., making Indians the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants, after Mexicans and Salvadorans.
The issue of migration through Mexico is expected to remain a hot topic in U.S. politics. Experts predict that both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, who are likely candidates in the next election, will take strict stances on illegal immigration. Harris has already faced criticism for how she has handled the U.S. border crisis, while Trump is known for his tough immigration policies during his time in office. If Trump were to win the presidency again, experts believe his approach would likely be even harsher than before.
Interestingly, while the U.S. cracks down on illegal immigration, it has granted asylum to individuals like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistan activist whom the Indian government has labeled a terrorist. This has raised questions about how the U.S. decides who receives asylum, especially when many Indian nationals seeking entry through Mexico face immediate deportation or detainment.
Dr. Suvrokamal Dutta, an expert in political and foreign policy, points out that while Mexico prefers handling migration issues through international agreements, the U.S. tends to take a more hardline approach, viewing illegal immigration as a threat to its economy and security. This difference in approach could further complicate the situation for Indian migrants caught at the Mexico border.
Dutta also mentioned that many migrants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh end up in overcrowded jails or detention centers, often facing inhumane conditions. He emphasized that the Indian government should be more vigilant about this growing trend of illegal migration and work closely with countries like Mexico to prevent such dangerous journeys.
In a final twist, Dutta commented on the irony of the situation. Although the U.S. is built on immigration, as most Americans are descendants of European settlers, the nation is still struggling with its immigration policies. He warned that Indian nationals stuck at the Mexico border are likely to face deportation or detention while Mexico and India work out repatriation agreements.
As the U.S. continues to deal with the complex issue of migration, the lives of thousands of Indian nationals hang in the balance, caught between their dreams of reaching America and the harsh realities of border politics.
