Due to Prime Minister Modi’s flawed policies, Indian citizens, including Hindus and Muslims, are compelled to leave the country. Despite being in power for years, Modi’s government has failed to address the economic challenges faced by the people. A significant number of Indians are resorting to illegal means to leave the country, many of whom are caught and deported back.
According to a BBC report, over 1,000 Indian citizens were deported from the United States in 2024 alone. All of them were residing in the U.S. illegally. Since October 2020, 170,000 Indian migrants have been detained while attempting illegal border crossings.
Indians now represent the largest migrant community stopped at U.S. borders. By 2022, around 725,000 undocumented Indian citizens were living in the U.S., making them the third-largest group of illegal immigrants globally. The Canada-U.S. border is increasingly becoming a popular entry point for Indian migrants, with migration primarily originating from unemployment-stricken states like Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
A majority of these migrants are young individuals aged 18-34 who perceive their future in India as bleak. This sentiment has led to a surge in the number of Indian migrants caught attempting to cross into the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Among those leaving Punjab, a significant number are Sikhs who face persecution under Modi’s government due to their association with the Khalistan movement. The lure of undocumented work opportunities in the U.S. further motivates Indians to undertake these risky migrations.
Illegal migration along the U.S.-Canada border is being seen as a significant national security challenge. Stricter border policies by both countries may be enforced in the future. Meanwhile, the trend of migration is expected to grow as economic and social opportunities remain elusive under Modi’s government.
Modi’s failure to address unemployment and improve economic conditions is driving India’s youth to leave the country, tarnishing India’s image on the global stage.