At 6.22%, India ranks third among illegal immigrants in US

Indians have emerged as a significant demographic in the United States, both in securing citizenship and living without legal documentation. Recent findings by Pew Research for the 2019-2022 period reveal that Indians rank second in obtaining naturalisation but are the third-largest group of unauthorized immigrants in the country, following Mexico and El Salvador.

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Mexico accounted for over a third of the undocumented population, with more than 4 million individuals. India, with 725,000 unauthorized residents, contributed 6.6% to the total. Among the 1.7 million unauthorized immigrants of Asian descent, nearly half were Indians, highlighting a notable trend of irregular migration from the country.

The report also noted an increase in unauthorized immigrants from other nations, including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, and former Soviet states, during this period. Deportations of Indians, voluntary or otherwise, have also surged. Under Barack Obama, an average of 340 Indians were removed annually. This number rose sharply during Donald Trump’s first term (2017-2021), reaching 1,250 per year, reflecting a significant escalation in enforcement actions targeting unauthorized immigrants.

The findings underscore the dual role Indians play in the US immigration landscape—contributing positively through naturalisation while also facing challenges due to their undocumented status. The issue remains a focal point amid ongoing crackdowns on illegal immigration.