Canada’s visa system under fire as undocumented Indian immigration to US reaches new heights

The number of undocumented Indians crossing from Canada into the United States on foot has reached an unprecedented high, raising serious concerns about the efficacy of Canada’s visa screening process. 

In June alone, 5,152 undocumented Indians crossed the border, surpassing the number entering from Mexico—a route historically associated with illegal crossings.

This surge has placed Canada’s visa policies under the microscope, especially as Indian passengers bound for Canada have increasingly sought asylum in the UK during transit. 

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, reviewed by The Indian Express, reveals a significant rise in undocumented Indian crossings at the US-Canada border. 

From January to June 2024, the average monthly encounters with undocumented Indians at this border increased by 47% compared to the previous year, marking a 13-fold jump from 2021. 

This sharp increase stands in stark contrast to the growing economic influence of legally settled Indian Americans in the US.

UK proposes transit visa requirement for Canada-bound Indians

Simultaneously, the United Kingdom has reported a notable rise in asylum claims from Indian nationals, many of whom are in transit to Canada. 

In response, the UK has proposed that all Canada-bound Indian nationals be required to obtain transit visas for stopovers. 

Meanwhile, the US has urged Canada to tighten its visa screening process to curb the flow of undocumented migrants.

Rising asylum claims in Canada from Indian nationals

Canada is also witnessing a significant increase in asylum claims from Indian nationals. 

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 6,056 claims were filed, continuing a trend that began in 2017 when Canada relaxed its visa policies to attract foreign students. 

This surge has highlighted the unintended consequences of these relaxed policies, as more Indian nationals attempt to enter the US through Canada.

The northern US border with Canada has now become twice as busy as the southwestern border for undocumented Indian crossings. 

This shift is largely attributed to the stricter security measures at the Mexico border. 

Recent US restrictions on asylum eligibility at the southern border have not been applied to the northern border, making it a more attractive option for undocumented migrants.

Experts believe the ease of obtaining Canadian visas and the relative safety of crossing from Canada compared to the dangerous Mexico route are key factors driving this shift. 

In response to the increasing number of crossings, the US has established the Northern Border Security Caucus to address concerns over human trafficking and drug smuggling along the northern border.

UK’s exemption on transit visas contributes to asylum spike

The UK’s exemption for Canada-bound Indians from obtaining transit visas has significantly contributed to the sharp rise in asylum claims. 

Between 2018 and 2023, the number of Indian asylum seekers at UK ports increased 11-fold, far outpacing other nationalities. 

This dramatic rise underscores the challenges in managing immigration flows and the potential loopholes in visa and transit policies that are being exploited by undocumented migrants.

Growing challenges in immigration management

The situation underscores the complex and growing challenges of managing immigration in an increasingly interconnected world. 

It also highlights the need for tighter coordination between countries to address the loopholes in visa and transit policies that are being exploited, leading to a surge in undocumented migrations and asylum claims.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-spike-in-undocumented-indian-crossings-from-canada-to-us-raises-concerns-3599310/