A 2022 report from the Pew Research Center indicated that there are 725,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants in the US, making them the third largest group of undocumented immigrants following Mexico and El Salvador.
The term 'Donkey routes,' or 'Dunki flight,' a Punjabi phrase for 'hopping routes,' refers to the prevalent method where smugglers first send migrants to countries with relaxed visa rules, like Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, or Guatemala.
“Migration, especially illegal migration from Mexico, has been a critical issue in the US election debate, with both Democrats and Republicans prioritizing it, and both administrations will likely maintain strict policies against illegal immigration via Mexico,” Dr Suvrokamal Dutta, and international conservative political, economic and foreign policy expert, told Sputnik India.
In contrast, some in the US view illegal migration as a threat to its economy and social fabric, leading to strict policies from both political parties, he asserted.
However, Dutta asserted that the former Trump administration, known for its stringent approach, was notably rigid on migration and asylum issues, and if Trump were to return to power, his policies on immigration would likely be even more stringent than before.
Regarding Indians who are currently stuck at the Mexico border, it’s more probable that Mexico might deport these individuals or place them in detention centres while negotiating with the Indian government for their repatriation, he stated.
Dutta suggested that the Indian government should be more vigilant and cautious regarding illegal immigration from India into the US through Mexico.