Surge in Illegal Immigration: How Indian Migrants Cross into the U.S. via Canada

March 19, 2025 – In recent years, a quiet but significant shift has unfolded along the United States’ northern frontier. The U.S.-Canada border, long overshadowed by its southern counterpart as a focal point for illegal immigration, has emerged as a critical pathway for a growing number of undocumented migrants from India. Once a route primarily associated with Latin American crossings via Mexico, this northern corridor now sees thousands of Indian nationals risking treacherous journeys through forests, freezing temperatures, and legal limbo for a shot at life in America. This phenomenon, driven by economic aspirations, restrictive U.S. immigration policies, and Canada’s relatively accessible visa system, has sparked debate and drawn attention to the evolving dynamics of global migration.

A Rising Tide of Crossings

Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) paints a striking picture of this trend. In the fiscal year 2024, which spans October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, a record 43,764 Indian nationals were apprehended attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border illegally. This figure marks a sharp increase from 30,010 in 2023 and a dramatic leap from just 2,225 in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Indian nationals now account for roughly 22% of all encounters at the northern border, making them the largest group of extra-hemispheric migrants intercepted in recent years.

The numbers, however, only tell part of the story. For every individual caught, experts estimate that several more may slip through undetected, navigating the 5,525-mile border that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Unlike the heavily fortified U.S.-Mexico border, the northern boundary is less guarded, dotted with vast forests, rural roads, and natural gaps that provide opportunities for those willing to take the risk.

The "Donkey Route": A Perilous Journey

The journey to the U.S. via Canada often begins thousands of miles away in India, particularly in the prosperous states of Punjab and Gujarat, regions with long histories of emigration. Known colloquially as the "donkey route" – derived from the Punjabi term "dunki," meaning to hop from place to place – this path is neither direct nor cheap. Migrants typically shell out tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes upwards of $100,000, to human smuggling networks that orchestrate their travel across multiple continents.

For many, the first step is securing a Canadian visitor or student visa, a process far more accessible than obtaining a U.S. equivalent. While a U.S. visa appointment can take nearly a year, Canada processes visitor visas in as little as 76 days, according to the Washington-based Niskanen Center. Once in Canada, migrants often abandon any pretense of adhering to visa conditions. Instead of enrolling in schools or abiding by tourist restrictions, they make their way to the border, often with the help of local facilitators.

Take the case of Shivam, a young man from Punjab who crossed into the U.S. illegally through upstate New York. After arriving in Canada on a visitor visa, he paid $300 to an Indian taxi driver – himself an undocumented migrant – for a six-hour ride to New York City. "I had to walk through the forest at night," Shivam recounted. "It’s dark, full of mud, and I was scared, but I kept going because I knew there were more opportunities in the U.S. than Canada." His story is not unique; it reflects a growing informal economy along the border, where drivers and smugglers profit by ferrying migrants south.

Why Canada? Why the U.S.?

The question of why Indian migrants choose this circuitous route is multifaceted. Economic opportunity remains the primary driver. In India, the net national income per capita hovers around $1,161, according to recent estimates, with states like Bihar reporting even lower figures at $708. By contrast, even the poorest U.S. state, Mississippi, boasts a per capita income of $48,110. For many, the promise of higher wages and a better quality of life outweighs the risks of illegal entry.

Yet, it’s not just the poor who undertake this journey. Unlike common assumptions, many of these migrants hail from middle-class backgrounds, able to afford the steep costs of smuggling operations. "One of the mistakes we make is to think it’s the poor that migrate," said Devesh Kapur, a professor of South Asian studies at Johns Hopkins University. "The poor in South Asia simply cannot afford to take a flight." Instead, it’s often small-scale landlords, farmers, or young professionals from Punjab and Gujarat who sell assets or take on debt to fund their passage.

Canada’s immigration policies also play a pivotal role. Until recently, the country offered relatively lenient visa options, including student permits that served as a stepping stone for those with no intention of studying. However, as the influx of Indian migrants crossing into the U.S. has grown, Canada has begun tightening its policies, rolling back permissive worker visa programs in response to pressure from its southern neighbor.

For many migrants, the U.S. represents the ultimate destination due to its robust economy, established Indian diaspora, and perceived openness to asylum-seekers. "The U.S. has more jobs in more industries," explained Pablo Bose, director of the Global and Regional Studies Program at the University of Vermont. "In cities like New York and Chicago, there’s an ability to disappear into the immigrant workforce." Social networks further fuel this migration, as family members or friends already settled in the U.S. provide support and encouragement.

The Human Cost

While the northern route is often touted as safer than the perilous trek through Central America to the U.S.-Mexico border, it is far from risk-free. The harsh Canadian winters pose a deadly threat, as evidenced by tragic incidents that have punctuated this migration wave. In January 2022, a family of four from Gujarat – Jagdish Patel, his wife Vaishaliben, and their two young children – froze to death just meters from the U.S. border in Manitoba. Caught in a blizzard, they became separated from their group, their bodies later discovered in the snow. The incident shocked communities on both sides of the border and underscored the dangers of the journey.

Another grim reminder came in March 2023, when eight migrants, including four Indians, drowned in the St. Lawrence River while attempting to cross from Canada into New York. These fatalities highlight the physical toll of the "donkey route," where smugglers often abandon their clients in unforgiving conditions, prioritizing profit over safety.

A Shifting Policy Landscape

The surge in Indian crossings has not gone unnoticed by U.S. authorities. Under the Biden administration, border policies were perceived as relatively open, encouraging some migrants to take their chances. However, with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January 2025, the landscape is poised for change. Trump has vowed to implement the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history, with incoming "border czar" Tom Homan signaling a focus on securing the northern border. "Illegal migration in this area is a huge national security issue," Homan has stated, hinting at stricter enforcement measures to come.

Canada, too, is feeling the heat. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has faced pressure from the U.S. to stem the flow of migrants, leading to discussions about imposing tougher visa requirements and enhancing border security. During a recent meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Trudeau reportedly addressed the issue, amid threats of a 25% tariff on Canadian exports if the problem persists.

For India, the situation presents a diplomatic challenge. The Indian government has pledged cooperation with the U.S. to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking, while also advocating for legal pathways for its citizens. "We are engaged with U.S. authorities to strengthen people-to-people ties and facilitate legal mobility," a spokesperson from India’s Ministry of External Affairs told reporters. Yet, critics argue that economic disparities and visa backlogs – which can stretch up to 20 years for U.S. immigrant visas – leave many with little choice but to turn to smugglers.

Voices from the Ground

For those who make it across, the reality is often a mixed bag. Shivam, now awaiting an asylum hearing in New York, admits his journey was driven more by economic ambition than persecution. "I came here mostly for work," he said, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Once in the U.S., migrants often blend into urban centers, taking low-wage jobs in hospitality or construction while navigating an overwhelmed immigration system that offers little certainty.

Back in India, families like the Patels mourn their losses and grapple with the consequences of their gambles. In Dingucha, Gujarat, where the Patel family once lived, the village is marked by both pride in those who’ve "settled" abroad and sorrow for those who didn’t survive the journey. "It wasn’t a desperate life," said Vaibhav Jha, a local reporter. "But the hope for something better drove them."

Looking Ahead

As the U.S. braces for a new administration and Canada reevaluates its role as a transit point, the future of this migration route remains uncertain. Will tighter controls deter Indian migrants, or will the allure of the American dream persist despite the risks? For now, the forests and backroads of the U.S.-Canada border continue to bear witness to a quiet exodus, one that speaks to the enduring human drive for a better life – and the steep price some are willing to pay to chase it. 17GEN4.com