From Gujarat to America: Perils of Illegal Migration Amid Trump's Crackdown Plans

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has reignited the debate on illegal immigration, pledging the largest deportation operation in American history upon taking office. This announcement comes as the Biden-Harris administration faces criticism for its immigration policies, with over 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S., 80% of whom have lived there for over a decade. While the focus often remains on migrants from Latin America, an increasing number of illegal immigrants originate from India, particularly Gujarat. In FY 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded 90,415 Indian nationals attempting illegal entry, with Gujaratis making up nearly half. Between October 2023 and September 2024, 29 lakh illegal immigrants were apprehended at U.S. borders, including a record 43,764 Indians at the Canadian border.

A tragic example of Gujarat's illegal immigration network is the Dingucha case, where the Patel family from Dingucha village froze to death during a blizzard while crossing the U.S.-Canada border in January 2022. After traveling to Canada on visitor visas, they embarked on the perilous journey. Two men, Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Anthony Shand, were charged with human trafficking and culpable homicide for orchestrating their passage. In January 2024, Gujarat Police filed an FIR against 14 immigration agents for running fraudulent schemes promising job opportunities in the U.S. Investigations uncovered a vast network using multi-country routes, known as the "donkey route," and fake documents to bypass immigration controls. The racket was exposed further when a Dubai-Nicaragua flight carrying 303 Indians was grounded in France in December 2023 on suspicion of human trafficking.

The allure of the U.S. for Gujaratis is fueled by economic disparities and limited opportunities at home, along with a strong diaspora presence in America. Gujaratis account for 20% of all Indians in the U.S., with thriving communities in cities like Jersey City and Edison, known as "Little Gujarat." They also dominate the hospitality industry, owning 22,000 of the 53,000 hotels in the U.S. However, illegal migration through dangerous routes has led to tragic consequences, tarnishing the reputation of the broader diaspora. Families often pay large sums to traffickers who exploit their desperation. Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan poses significant risks for undocumented Gujaratis, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for years. While the established Gujarati community offers a support system, illegal migration has fueled political debates and stigmatized the diaspora. Addressing this issue requires tackling root causes such as economic inequality and lack of opportunities in Gujarat, along with enhanced international cooperation to dismantle trafficking networks.