Canada No Longer Easy Gateway: 5,000 Indians Caught Crossing to US in a Month, Visa Rules Tighten

The issue of Indians entering the US illegally from Canada is not new, but it has become a growing concern for America as the number of such incidents increases. According to recent data released by the American news channel First Post America, 5,152 Indians were caught illegally crossing from Canada to the US in just one month, June 2024. This marks the first time such a high number has been recorded in US history. Although this figure did not break previous records, it indicates a shift in migration patterns. As a result, the US has requested Canada to enforce stricter visa regulations to prevent people from filtering through Canada and causing illegal immigration concerns for the US. Canada has taken this seriously and has adopted a strict approach, deporting 6,000 people who arrived in Canada on visitor visas in recent months.

What’s the Whole Issue?

The Indian population in Canada is significant, with millions of Indians residing there. Many of these Indians arrive in Canada with the dream of settling in the neighboring country, the US. These individuals attempt to cross into the US through various means, such as walking or by boat, increasing the number of illegal entries. In June 2024 alone, 5,152 Indians were caught illegally entering the US from Canada and were sent back to Canada. This illegal entry is facilitated by the fact that the US-Canada land border is contiguous and spans 9,000 kilometers, with large sections being uninhabited and forested. These border areas are used by immigrants as they are devoid of security or checkpoints from either Canada or the US. This increase in illegal crossings has raised concerns in the US.

Increased Use of Remote Areas

Immigration expert Parthesh Thakkar explains that the US-Canada border is 9,000 kilometers long. There are no fences or barriers due to the lack of disputes between the two countries. Some areas along the border are so remote that one can cross into the US while walking. This is as easy as traveling on rural roads in India and ending up in another state like Rajasthan or Maharashtra. It’s similar to how one might unexpectedly cross into a neighboring state without any checkpoints. Previously, people would drive or walk into the US from Canada, but Mexico has become a significant point of entry due to its easier crossing conditions. Individuals from Brazil, Nicaragua, and other countries often transit through Mexico to enter the US. Canada’s land connection is solely with the US, with no other routes available.

Misuse of Transit Visas for the UK

Parthesh Thakkar also notes that misuse of transit visas is occurring not just for the US but also for the UK. For those traveling to Canada, there is no need for a UK transit visa. If you are traveling through the UK, you are not required to obtain a transit visa if you don’t exit the airport. However, some Indians manage to leave the airport and settle in the UK. Even if you need to change terminals, a transit visa is required, but many countries do not require it. For instance, if you land at Heathrow Airport in the UK from Canada, you do not need a transit visa. This has led to an increase in the number of Indians using transit visas to enter the UK.

Two Types of People Entering the US Illegally

Parthesh Thakkar continues that there are two types of individuals entering the US illegally. One type aims to settle in the US directly via Canada, and the other holds a visitor visa for Canada but moves to the US if things don’t work out. Many Indian students in Canada believe they might have to return to India and may prefer to enter the US illegally if they face visa issues in Canada. Some have visitor visas for the US, which makes illegal entry less likely but ensures they reach the US. Students in Canada often get US visas easily and, after studying for six to twelve months, do not return to Canada. They find jobs in the US and may even marry someone there. There are numerous pathways to settling in the US.

Indian Misuse of Generous Canadian Visas

Parthesh Thakkar mentions that getting a visa to Canada may become more difficult over time. As tough as it is to enter the US, it may soon be equally tough to enter Canada due to the mistakes Canada has realized it has made. Even now, getting to Canada isn’t easy. Those arriving in Canada on visitor visas are now thoroughly checked, and if any doubts arise, they are sent back to India. Recently, 6,000 people arriving on visitor visas were deported from Canada. Canada has become more alert and has taken a stricter stance on issuing visas. The US has requested Canada to halt the generous visa issuance and tighten regulations. Canada has become cautious and immediately deports Indian visitors or students if any doubts arise during their interviews.

61% of Immigrants Entered Illegally Between 2016 and 2022

According to data from US Customs and Border Protection, the number of Indians illegally crossing the border from Canada to the US has been increasing. In June alone, over 5,000 Indians were caught entering illegally, marking a record high. The US-Canada border is peaceful and the longest, but now both countries face significant challenges with illegal crossings. The border stretches 9,000 kilometers, and while half of it is forested, the greatest illegal crossings occur at the Mexico border. Between 2016 and 2022, 61% of immigrants entered illegally. In 2024, illegal crossings have reached new peaks, with 5,152 Indians caught in just one month. This statistic, while not breaking previous records, indicates a shift in migration patterns, with a historic high in illegal entries from Canada to the US.

Sudden Increase in Indians Seeking Asylum in the UK

Important data has emerged on asylum seekers in the UK. In 2022, 1,170 Indians sought asylum in the UK, a significant 136% increase from 495 in 2021. Both the US and the UK have raised concerns with Canada regarding this issue. The US desires stricter visa screening, while the UK has seen a rise in asylum seekers as COVID-19 restrictions eased. In 2003, the UK saw the highest number of Indian asylum seekers at 930, but this dropped to 102 by 2005. After 2019, there were no instances of surpassing 100 asylum seekers until 2021, when 318 Indians sought asylum. The number of asylum seekers in the UK, alongside the US, may continue to rise in the coming days.

The 3100 km Wall in Mexico: Not a Dream Come True

Mexico, a neighboring country to the US, includes states like California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas along its border. People attempting illegal entry into the US often pay agents large sums to reach any South American country. Ecuador was once a popular destination due to its visa-on-arrival policy, but this ended in 2019. Agents now take illegal immigrants via flights to Bolivia, and from there, through Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras to Mexico. Many believe that crossing the 3100 km border wall between Mexico and the US will lead to their dreams coming true, but the journey is far from easy.

Challenges of Illegal Entry into the US

• 30-foot-high wall
• Barbed wire
• Heavily armed US military patrols
• Surveillance by drones and helicopters
• Monitoring from boats in the sea
• Cold regions and forested areas