A recent study by researchers from Johns Hopkins University has highlighted a rise in the number of Indians seeking asylum in the United States. The number grew from 9,000 in 2018 to 51,000 in 2023–a staggering 466% increase in five years.

This surge in asylum applications is linked to the US immigration system, which allows individuals caught crossing the border illegally to apply for asylum if they claim fear of persecution in their home country. 

Many Indians have taken this route, leading to a rise in border apprehensions–from just 1,000 in 2020 to 43,000 in 2023.

Despite this increase in asylum seekers, the overall population of undocumented Indians in the US has significantly declined. According to the latest data from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the number of unauthorised Indian immigrants fell by 60% between 2016 and 2022, from 560,000 to 220,000. Indians now make up only 2% of the total undocumented immigrant population in the US.

The report also notes a shift in migration patterns. While illegal Indian migrants previously entered mainly through the US-Mexico border, many are now crossing from Canada. Additionally, Punjabi speakers make up the largest group among these migrants.

While official data for 2023 is not yet available, the trend suggests that while fewer Indians are staying in the US illegally, more are attempting to enter the country and seek asylum.

The report from the university comes after the US government’s crackdown on illegal immigrants, during which many were deported to their respective countries.

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