Record 5K Undocumented Indians, Many Panjabis, Cross US-Canada Border

A record number of undocumented Indian nationals, many of Panjabi origin, are crossing from Canada into the United States, raising concerns about Canada’s visa screening process. Data from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows a record 5,152 undocumented Indians crossed the US-Canada border in June 2024 alone, surpassing the number entering via Mexico. The US-Canada border, which stretches 9K km, offers a less dangerous route compared to the heavily fortified Mexico border, making it a preferred option for migrants. Between 2016 and 2022, Canada’s international student population grew by 61%, attracting many from India, with many from Panjab. Despite recent efforts to tighten visa regulations and increase cost-of-living requirements for students, the shift of Indian migrants to the northern US border is already underway. However, amid growing anti-immigration sentiments, Canada has been turning away more foreigners as immigration becomes a key political issue ahead of the next federal election, anticipated for the fall of 2025. According to recent data from Reuters, the ratio of refused visitor visa applications to approved ones has reached its highest point since the peak of the pandemic, with Canadian border guards turning away close to 3,700 people per month. In the first half of 2024, immigration officials rejected more applications than they approved. Approved study and work permits have also declined, with Canada refusing entry to nearly 6K foreign travelers, including students and workers, in July—the highest since 2019. Up to 70K students, mostly from Panjab, risk deportation as Canada enforces stricter immigration policies (SDW Vol 2 Issue 36, Story 7).