Why Many Indians Choose America and Illegal Pathways for Migration: 365 Days

Migration to the United States has long been a dream for many people from Asia, particularly India. The allure of better job opportunities, a higher standard of living, and the perception of America as the land of prosperity continue to motivate thousands to embark on this journey.

Unfortunately, for some, the legal avenues to enter the U.S. seem impossible, leading them to pursue dangerous, illegal routes.

In this blog post, we will delve into why so many Indians choose the perilous path to America, what drives them to take illegal routes, and a tragic story that highlights the dangers of this journey.

The Dreams and Desperation Behind Migration

Why Many Indians Choose America and Illegal Pathways for Migration

For many Indian families, the aspiration to move to the West is deeply embedded in their socio-economic context. Villages, such as Dingucha in the western state of Gujarat, have seen entire blocks of homes emptied out as families either legally or illegally move to countries like Canada, Australia, and the U.S.

The appeal of greener pastures, higher wages, and a better quality of life is tempting, even for those who live relatively stable lives in India.

In rural India, advertisements and brokers selling dreams of overseas opportunities are commonplace. Posters promise an easy transition to countries like Canada or the U.S., where low-wage jobs could still provide a far superior standard of living than most can attain in India.

This promise drives families to take desperate measures, sometimes selling farmland or taking on enormous debt to finance their journey. The hope for a better future for their children, combined with economic pressures and the visibility of others who have “made it” abroad, often push individuals to make perilous choices.

The Patel Family Tragedy

The tragedy of Jagdish Patel and his family serves as a heart-wrenching example of the extremes people will go to in their quest for a better life. In January 2022, Jagdish Patel, his wife Vaishaliben, and their two young children attempted to cross the Canadian border into the United States, hoping to meet a van waiting for them on the U.S. side. The journey they undertook was fraught with danger.

On that bitterly cold night, with wind chills plunging to minus 36 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 38 Celsius), the Patel family set out on foot, traversing vast, snow-covered fields under the cover of darkness. Coordinated by human smugglers, the family and other migrants hoped to make it safely into the U.S.

However, the harsh reality of their situation became clear as they struggled against the elements. Tragically, they never made it. The bodies of Jagdish, his wife, and their children were found frozen, with Jagdish still holding his 3-year-old son in his arms.

This case drew international attention to the risks that migrants are willing to take to cross the border illegally. But it also shed light on the criminal networks that prey on these vulnerable individuals, charging exorbitant fees and offering no guarantees of safety.

Human Smuggling Networks of Migration

Why Many Indians Choose America and Illegal Pathways for Migration

Smuggling networks operating between India, Canada, and the U.S. have become increasingly sophisticated. In the case of the Patel family, two men—Harsh Kumar Patel and Steve Shand—were allegedly part of a sprawling human smuggling operation. They were accused of transporting groups of Indians illegally across the U.S.-Canada border for large sums of money.

Jagdish and his family were part of a group of 11 Indian migrants attempting to make the dangerous crossing that night, but only seven survived the ordeal.

Smugglers, such as Harsh Kumar Patel, exploit the desperation of families like the Patels. Operating under the guise of helping people achieve their dream of a better life, they often fail to inform migrants about the harsh realities and dangers of the journey.

In some cases, smugglers are even part of the same community they exploit, creating an intricate underground network where migrants pay up to $90,000 for a chance to enter the U.S. illegally.

The increased demand for illegal entry into the U.S. has only grown in recent years. According to reports, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested more than 14,000 Indian nationals attempting to cross the Canadian border illegally in the fiscal year ending in September 2022, a number that represents 60% of all arrests along that border.

This alarming statistic highlights the scale of the problem, as more and more Indian migrants take the risk despite knowing the potential consequences.

Factors Driving Illegal Immigration

While the U.S. remains a top destination for Indian migrants, the legal pathways for immigration are long, complex, and often frustrating. The American immigration system is notorious for its delays and backlogs, with many visa applicants waiting years, if not decades, for their cases to be processed.

For individuals and families seeking immediate economic relief or opportunities, this lengthy process can feel impossible.

In India, economic disparity plays a significant role. Although India has seen rapid development in certain sectors, many rural and semi-urban populations still struggle to make ends meet. The prospect of working in the U.S., even in low-paying jobs, can seem like a way out of poverty.

For others, political repression or social issues push them to leave the country in search of freedom and safety.

The hope for a better life in the West has also transformed the social fabric of villages like Dingucha, where migration has become a status symbol. Those who have made it overseas often showcase their success on social media, further encouraging others to take the plunge.

As a result, the desire to migrate has become almost a cultural expectation, and families are willing to take extreme risks to fulfill this dream.

The Dangers of Illegal Routes

Why Many Indians Choose America and Illegal Pathways for Migration

The tragic story of the Patel family is just one of many. Every year, countless migrants risk their lives attempting to cross borders illegally, often falling victim to smugglers who care little for their well-being. The physical dangers of such journeys are immense, from freezing temperatures to treacherous terrain.

Many migrants, unprepared for the harsh conditions, succumb to the elements or face violence and exploitation at the hands of the smugglers themselves.

Moreover, the financial burden of illegal immigration can be overwhelming. Families often sell their property or take on debt to pay for the journey, only to end up in precarious situations once they arrive in the U.S. Those who make it may find themselves working in exploitative conditions, unable to access legal protection or basic rights.

Conclusion: A Call for Awareness

The tragic and pathetic story of the Patel family depicts the desperate measures some people are willing to take to enhance their lives. However, it also underscores the dangers of illegal migration and the exploitative nature of human smuggling networks.

As long as economic disparities and limited legal immigration options persist, the temptation to migrate illegally will continue. It is crucial for governments, communities, and migrants themselves to recognize the risks and work towards safer, more sustainable solutions for those seeking better opportunities abroad.

The Patel family’s tragic end serves as a stark reminder that the dreams of a better life should never come at such a high cost

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