Context: The farming crisis is forcing youths to take to illegal migration. The people affected by distress in their homeland seek opportunities in the developed world despite the enormous risks during their journeys. The recent episode of the forced return of 303 Indians who were detained at a French airport is suspected to be another such instance, or worse, trafficking.

Background:

Surge in Migration Attempts to the U.S.:

• Alarming increase in Indians attempting to enter the U.S., nearly 100,000 between October 2022 and September 2023.
• Five times higher than the previous year, as per U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.

Migration Routes:

• More than half attempted entry through the heavily guarded Mexican border.
• Others sought entry through the sparsely manned Canadian border.

Treacherous Routes and Risks:

• Rise in Indians taking treacherous routes, highlighted by the death of a six-year-old girl from Punjab in the Arizona desert in June 2019.
• Surge began before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Trump Administration invoking Title 42 to turn away asylum seekers.

Impact of Title 42 and Post-COVID-19 Migration:

• Title 42 empowered border agencies to turn away asylum seekers without a hearing.
• Migration attempts increased again after the COVID-19 years and the Biden Administration coming to power.

Desperation or Misguidance:

• Indians taking significant risks and facing enormous difficulties to become illegal immigrants in the U.S.
• Suggests motives of desperation or potential misinformation leading to such migration attempts.

Reasons of illegal migration

Out of nearly 97,000 Indians at the American border in the current year, 45,000 claimed fear in their home country.

• Fear of religious and political persecution was identified as a major factor.
• Lack of economic opportunities in India and the easing of pandemic restrictions were other contributing factors.
• Their situation has been exacerbated by the crisis that they face in farming with plummeting incomes and overexploited and fragmented farmlands.
• Government's handling of protests against the agriculture laws influenced Sikhs' perception of mistreatment in Punjab.
• Backlog in legal immigration channels prompted Indians, particularly from Punjab and Gujarat, to pursue illegal routes.
• Financially better-off individuals in these states were opting for illegal routes due to the challenge in legal channels.
• Financial constraints in legal immigration channels led to the choice of illegal routes.Agents charged significant amounts, ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, making it difficult for many to afford.
• Punjabis and Gujaratis, forming a significant portion of the Indian community in the US, perceived the "American dream" as more attainable.
• English-educated, affluent Indians saw the US as a promised land with better opportunities.
• The surge in demand for work in the US from the English-educated, affluent class exceeded the capacity of the US visa framework.

The 'Donkey Route'

1. Rise in Incidents of Indian Illegal Immigration:

• Recent grounding of a Nicaragua-bound flight is part of a trend highlighting challenges faced by Indians trying to enter the US.
• Tragic incidents, such as the discovery of bodies on the US-Canada border, have garnered attention.

2. Alarming Increase in Undocumented Indian Immigrants:

• Despite risks, US Customs and Border Protection recorded an unprecedented 96,917 undocumented Indian immigrants in 2022-’23.
• A significant surge from 1,500 a decade ago, with a sharp escalation observed since 2019.

3. The 'Donkey Route' and Changing Dynamics:

• Agents facilitating migration use the "donkey route," guiding Indians through multiple countries until they reach Canada or Mexico.
• Notable routes involve Latin American countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, or Venezuela, which provide visas on arrival for Indian citizens.
• From these countries, migrants proceed to Mexico, and from there, they independently navigate their way to the US border on foot.

4. Changing Preferences in Migration Routes:

• Mexico remains a popular route, but there is a noticeable increase in traffic through the northern US-Canada border.
• nearly 97,000 Indians held by the US in a year, over 31,000 were apprehended at the northern border.
• This marks a significant shift from the less than 100 Indians held in 2014 when approximately 1,500 were apprehended.

5. Regional Concentration of Illegal Migrants:

• Gujarat and Punjab are identified as significant contributors to the surge in illegal migrants to the US.
• Superintendent-rank police officer highlights these states as primary Sources of undocumented immigrants.

6. Concerns and Implications:

• The increase in Indian illegal immigration poses challenges for US authorities in managing detainment and border security.
• The "donkey route" phenomenon underscores the desperation and risks migrants are willing to take for a chance at a better life in the US.

Potential solutions to address illegal migration issue:

Enhanced Border Security:

• Strengthen border surveillance and security measures to deter illegal crossings.
• Invest in advanced technologies such as sensors, cameras, and drones for effective monitoring.

International Cooperation:

• Collaborate with neighboring countries and international organizations to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to curb illegal migration.
• Engage in bilateral or regional agreements to address the root causes of migration and enforce border controls collectively.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Conduct awareness campaigns in SOURCE regions to educate potential migrants about the risks and legal consequences of using illegal routes.
• Highlight legal avenues for migration and emphasize the dangers associated with irregular migration.

Improved Legal Immigration Channels:

• Streamline and expedite legal immigration processes to reduce the backlog and provide viable alternatives to illegal routes.
• Create pathways for temporary or seasonal labor migration to meet specific labor demands.

Address Root Causes:

• Tackle the root causes of migration, such as economic instability, lack of opportunities, and political persecution.
• Implement policies that promote economic development, job creation, and social stability in SOURCE regions.
• A crackdown on exploitative middlemen in the labour market can only be the beginning.
• Investment in agriculture

Diplomatic Engagement:

• Engage in diplomatic dialogue with SOURCE and transit countries to address shared concerns and find collaborative solutions.
• Explore diplomatic solutions to geopolitical issues that contribute to migration pressures.

Humanitarian Assistance:

Provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in SOURCE regions, addressing issues like poverty, displacement, and food insecurity.

• Support local initiatives that promote sustainable development and livelihood opportunities.

Crackdown on Human Trafficking Networks:

• Strengthen law enforcement efforts to identify and dismantle human trafficking networks operating along the donkey route.
• Collaborate with international agencies to disrupt organized crime involved in facilitating illegal migration.

Regional Development Initiatives:

• Invest in regional development initiatives that foster economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation in areas prone to illegal migration.
• Encourage regional cooperation to address common challenges and create a conducive environment for stability.

Legal Protections for Asylum Seekers:

• Ensure fair and efficient asylum processes for individuals genuinely seeking refuge.
• Provide legal protections and support for vulnerable populations, addressing their concerns and needs.

Capacity Building:

• Build the capacity of border control agencies and law enforcement to effectively manage and secure borders.
• Invest in training programs and Resources to enhance the capabilities of agencies involved in border management.

Community Engagement:

• Work with local communities to address social and economic issues that contribute to migration.
• Foster community engagement and cooperation in preventing and reporting illegal migration activities.