US crackdown fails to deter illegal migration from Punjab, Haryana

“The demand for US visas, even through unofficial routes, is as high as ever. Many young people from Punjab and Haryana are willing to take the risk, driven by the promise of better opportunities and the American dream,” said Sonu Singh, a Jalandhar-based travel agent.

“The US still offers hope for a better life, and despite the risks, the youth are determined to find a way,” said Satnam Singh, whose brother was deported from the US. He added that one of his cousins recently reached the US with his wife and young daughter. “They first went to Spain on a Schengen visa. Their agent then arranged a visa for Mexico, where they stayed for a few weeks before crossing the border into the US. Now, they plan to apply for asylum,” he said.

Jaswinder Singh, another agent, said the persistent demand for migration is fueled by socio-economic challenges. “Foreign employment and education remain attractive alternatives to local hardships. Despite facing deportations and legal risks, many are still willing to take their chances,” he said, adding that the US government’s crackdown on illegal migration has done little to slow the trend in Punjab and Haryana.

“Every such aspirant believes they will succeed in reaching the US, even though the challenges are immense and the risks are clear,” he said.

The Bahamas route

Agents are also facilitating entry into the US via the Bahamas. One agent explained that the journey from Delhi to the Bahamas takes around 27 hours, with several layovers. There are two sea routes from the Bahamas into the US: one via Miami, passing through Nassau, and another from the Port of Houston, bypassing the Strait of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. The latter is shorter but far more dangerous, as migrants are smuggled in overcrowded, unstable boats. “Many boys drown during this journey,” the agent said.

New trend: Entry through Canada

For the past 5-6 years, illegal immigrants have also been using the US-Canada border to enter the US. Even though Canada has tightened immigration laws, many Indians continue to cross over.

According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), more than 86,400 Indian nationals were stopped for attempting unauthorized crossings at the US-Mexico border between October 2020 and August 2024. During the same period, over 88,800 Indians were stopped at the northern border with Canada.

Agents said entering the US from Canada is easier because it involves fewer hardships. “Aspirants typically reach Canada on visitor or student visas and then cross into the US, where they apply for asylum,” one agent said.