Indian illegal immigration has significantly decreased at the Canada-US border following decisive measures implemented by Canadian authorities. According to Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister, “Our swift actions have resulted in an 84% decrease in illegal crossings into the US from Canadian permit/visa holders since June 2024.”
The crackdown comes in response to a growing trend of illegal crossings facilitated by abuse of Canada’s visa system. Recent data from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) highlights that between October and November 2024, 7,113 of the 27,610 individuals intercepted at the northern border were Indian nationals—constituting over 25% of the total.
Canada’s Response to Immigration Challenges
The Canadian government has implemented stringent measures to curb these illegal activities. “As soon as we learned of this abuse of our system, including the impact to our shared border with the US, we took action,” an Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) spokesperson stated. Among these measures is a 61% increase in visa refusals for applicants from countries with higher incidences of visa abuse.
Furthermore, IRCC has re-evaluated its temporary resident visa program, previously considered low-risk, to address vulnerabilities to exploitation. A spokesperson explained, “What was once a low-risk program is now assessed as higher-risk given the growing global migration crisis and increased organized smuggling activities.”
Human Trafficking Investigations and Legal Concerns
India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also been active in addressing human trafficking networks that exploit Canada’s immigration system. Recent investigations have revealed a nexus involving Canadian institutions and illegal immigration schemes. A statement by the ED on December 24 accused certain Canadian colleges of facilitating illegal entries. Allegedly, agreements between these colleges and questionable entities contributed to the problem, as over 112 colleges were linked to one such entity.
This issue drew international attention following the tragic deaths of four Indian nationals near the US-Canada border in January 2022. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed awareness of these investigations and is collaborating with Indian authorities.
Expert Opinions on Reform
Experts have urged comprehensive reforms to tackle these issues. Toronto-based immigration lawyer Ravi Jain highlighted systemic flaws, saying, “Too many people are engaged in immigration law without proper qualifications. They learn just enough to game the system.” He emphasized the need for stricter regulations to prevent exploitation.
Similarly, Vancouver-based lawyer Richard Kurland proposed proactive measures such as immediate reporting of students who fail to attend classes and reducing study permit quotas for colleges with frequent violations. “These steps could significantly deter bad actors from abusing the system,” he noted.
Historical Context of Indian Immigration Trends
Indian nationals have consistently ranked among the largest groups attempting illegal crossings into the US from Canada. Historical data from the CBP reveals a steady increase in such incidents. In 2022, Indian nationals accounted for 16% of the 109,535 attempted crossings. This figure rose sharply in subsequent years, with 30,010 Indian nationals intercepted in 2023, making up 16% of the total. By 2024, the number had escalated to 43,764—nearly 22% of all crossings.
The data underscores the systemic nature of the issue, with an unknown number of successful crossings further complicating efforts to address illegal immigration comprehensively.
Collaborative Efforts to Address Migration Issues
Canada has emphasized its commitment to addressing irregular migration. “Canada works collaboratively with the US and international partners on issues of visa integrity, border management, and safe migration,” an IRCC spokesperson explained. These partnerships aim to strengthen both border security and the integrity of immigration processes.
The Biden administration has also applied pressure on Canada to curb illegal immigration. The US President-elect recently threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports if substantial progress is not made. This diplomatic tension has further motivated Canada to address the issue decisively.
Indian illegal immigration at the Canada-US border highlights the complexities of modern migration challenges. Addressing these issues requires ongoing collaboration, policy adjustments, and stringent enforcement to ensure both nations’ border integrity and security.