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A tale of migration and loopholes; Canada’s visa system under fire

A tale of migration and loopholes; Canada’s visa system under fire

A tale of migration and loopholes; Canada’s visa system under fire
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2 Sept 2024 10:12 PM IST

In the quiet border towns of the northern United States, a new story of migration is unfolding. This tale isn't about the well-worn paths through the deserts of Mexico, but a quieter, colder route from Canada. It's a story of hopes, dreams, and the unexpected consequences of visa policies.

The unseen surge

June 2024 saw an unprecedented wave of undocumented Indian immigrants crossing the US-Canada border. The numbers were staggering—5,152 in a single month, surpassing even those crossing from Mexico. This surge raised alarms, not only about the migrants themselves but about the effectiveness of Canada’s visa screening process.

From January to June 2024, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded a 47% increase in monthly encounters with undocumented Indians compared to the previous year. This 13-fold jump from 2021 is in stark contrast to the growing economic influence of legally settled Indian Americans in the US, highlighting a complex and multifaceted immigration landscape.

Asylum seekers in transit

The route isn't a direct one. Many Indian passengers heading to Canada are seeking asylum during their transit stops in the UK. This has led to a proposal from the UK government to require transit visas for all Canada-bound Indian nationals. At the same time, the US is urging Canada to tighten its visa screening process to stem the flow of undocumented migrants.

The Canadian asylum spike

Canada itself is witnessing a surge in asylum claims from Indian nationals. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 6,056 claims were filed. This spike is a continuation of a trend that began in 2017 when Canada relaxed its visa policies to attract more foreign students. These well-intentioned policies, however, have had unintended consequences, as more Indian nationals now attempt to enter the US through Canada.

The Northern Border: A new frontier

The northern US border has become twice as busy as the southwestern border for undocumented Indian crossings. This shift is largely due to stricter security measures at the Mexico border. Recent US restrictions on asylum eligibility at the southern border haven't been applied to the northern border, making it a more attractive option for those seeking entry.

Experts point to the ease of obtaining Canadian visas and the relative safety of the northern route compared to the dangerous crossings from Mexico as key factors driving this shift. In response, the US has established the Northern Border Security Caucus to address concerns over human trafficking and drug smuggling along this new migration corridor.

The UK's role

The UK's exemption for Canada-bound Indians from obtaining transit visas has significantly contributed to the spike in asylum claims. Between 2018 and 2023, the number of Indian asylum seekers at UK ports increased 11-fold, far outpacing other nationalities. This dramatic rise highlights the challenges in managing immigration flows and the potential loopholes in visa and transit policies that are being exploited by undocumented migrants.

A call for coordination

This evolving situation underscores the complex challenges of managing immigration in an interconnected world. It calls for tighter coordination between countries to address the loopholes in visa and transit policies that are being exploited. As nations grapple with these issues, the stories of those who undertake these perilous journeys continue to unfold, reminding us of the human element at the heart of immigration policies and statistics.

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