US sees surge in Indian immigrants at border with Canada

Illegal immigration from Indian nationals at the U.S.-Canada border has seen a significant increase in recent years, with nearly 44,000 individuals attempting to cross the border illegally in fiscal 2024. This number is up from about 30,000 in fiscal 2023 and 17,331 in fiscal 2022, according to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Indian nationals were the most common nationality encountered at the northern border, representing approximately 22% of the total land border encounters at the U.S.-Canada border in fiscal 2024. This surge in attempted crossings comes at a time when border security is a key focus, with President-elect Trump emphasizing the need for stricter measures.

President-elect Trump recently met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, describing their conversation as “very productive.” Discussions included topics such as border security, the fentanyl and drug crisis stemming from illegal immigration, fair trade deals, and the trade deficit between the U.S. and Canada.

In response to the increased illegal migration, the Canadian government has taken steps to tighten its border policies, including rolling back its permissive worker visa program. There are calls from U.S. lawmakers to strengthen the northern border with Canada to address concerns about illegal migration.

As the Canadian government prepares to work with President-elect Trump, who has previously threatened tariffs on both Canada and Mexico, the importance of border security and trade relations between the two countries remains a priority. Discussions between the leaders also touched on energy, trade, and Arctic relations.

While it remains unclear whether tariffs are still being considered, President-elect Trump has signaled his commitment to addressing these critical issues upon taking office. The ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Canada highlights the need for collaboration on border security and trade agreements to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration.

In conclusion, the surge in attempted border crossings by Indian nationals at the U.S.-Canada border underscores the need for comprehensive border security measures and strengthened cooperation between the two countries. The discussions between President-elect Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau signal a shared commitment to addressing these issues and fostering stronger bilateral relations.