Over 15,000 Indian migrants deported from the U.S. since 2009: Minister of External Affairs
Hotspots states of Illegal Immigration in India include Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
- Such migrants mostly use the "dunki routes (donkey routes)" to reach the U.S., passing through Latin American countries.
- Countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Guyana have visas on arrival for Indian citizens while Brazil and Venezuela, give tourist visas to Indians easily.
- Additionally, a migrant's journey is often determined by the human trafficking networks to which their agent is connected.
Reasons for Illegal Migration
- Better Opportunities: Low wages in India push migrants to seek higher pay in the U.S.
- Limited Legal Routes: Slow, uncertain visa processes force people to take illegal paths.
- Success Culture: Societal pressure in some communities (like Patels in Gujarat) leads families to sell land or take loans to migrate.
Consequences of Such Migration
- Migrants risk robbery, assault, and even rape, with crimes often unreported.
- The journey takes 8-10 days if successful; dead migrants' bodies cannot be sent home.
- Strong demand has led to a thriving human smuggling network.
- Agents and Human smugglers charge exorbitant fee, promising jobs and legal status.
