An estimated 2,40,000 Indian immigrants are among 11.5 million foreigners living illegally in the United States without proper immigration documents, according to latest official figures.
The flow of Indians coming clandestinely to the U.S. has, in fact, doubled between 2000 and 2011, said the latest report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
During the same period the total number of illegal foreign immigrants increased from 8.46 million to 11.51 million.
India with 2,40,000 illegal immigrants ranks seventh in the list which is topped by Mexico with 6.8 million followed by El Salvador (6,60,000), Guatemala (5,20,000) and Honduras (3,80,000).
China is placed fifth in the list, but tops among the Asian countries with 280,000 illegal immigrants, followed by Philippines (270,000) which is ranked overall sixth.
India is followed by 230,000 illegal immigrants from Korea, Ecuador (210,000) and Vietnam (170,000).
The Cuban-born population living in the US was excluded from the estimates since, according to immigration law, most Cubans are admitted or paroled into the US and are eligible a year later to apply to adjust to legal permanent residency (LPR) status.
Of the 11.5 million unauthorised immigrants in 2011, 1.6 million (14 per cent) entered the US on January 1, 2005 or later. Larger numbers came during 2000-2004 (3.3 million or 29 per cent) and 1995-1999 (3.0 million or 26 per cent).
Fewer came between 1990-1994 (1.6 million or 14 per cent) or in the 1980s (1.9 million or 17 per cent), the Department of Homeland Security said in its report.
An estimated 8.9 million (77 per cent) of the total 11.5 million unauthorized immigrants living in the US in 2011 were from North America, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
The next leading regions of origin were Asia (1.3 million) and South America (0.8 million).
Between 2000 and 2011, the greatest increase in the unauthorized population occurred among natives of North America (2.8 million), the report said.
Mexico continued to be the leading source country of unauthorized immigration to the United States. There were 6.8 million unauthorized immigrants from Mexico in 2011, representing 59 per cent of the unauthorized population.
From 2000 to 2011, the Mexican—born unauthorized population increased by 2.1 million or an annual average of 190,000.
California remained the leading state of residence of the unauthorized immigrant population in 2011, with 2.8 million.
The next leading state was Texas with 1.8 million unauthorized residents, followed by Florida (740,000), New York (630,000) and Illinois (550,000).
The 10 leading states represented 73 per cent of the unauthorized population in 2011.
In 2011, 59 per cent of unauthorized immigrants were ages 25 to 44 years, and 53 per cent were male.
Males accounted for 57 per cent of the unauthorized population in the 18 to 34 age group in 2011 while females accounted for 57 per cent of the 45 and older age groups.
Keywords: United states, illegal immigration
Most of the illegal immigration is not due to cladestine arrivals. These people generally come on visitors visa by plane and they end up working illegally for cash and overstay their visa. It is very common for Indians to over stay their visas in the west. They usually work on a cash basis in many Indian shops for less money so they get away with it.
@ mvrangaraajan - Who wants to come to India other than the people of poorer nations around us? In any case for Nepali people it is completely legal to come to India and settle down. Thank God for this, or so many jobs requiring their humble and hardy nature may not be taken. In a way, it is a complement to a nation when many people want to come in, even if the cost of this intent may be very high.
It may be a complex matter but the concern may also to refer to human trafficking. Either way it is a shame.
The % of Asians entering US illegally are very very low. But then those Asians who enter legally, stay beyond the stipulated limit and hence become illegal immigrants. It is not feasible for US to find them and deport back to their countries. Unless they are caught for some offense, it is hard to detect them.
Illegal immigration is a very complex subject. Economic opportunities within countries and across countries are bound to attract workers from regions and countries that have little or no opportunities. Immigration laws of countries like the US change frequently depending on their need for immigrant workers. The truth of the matter is immigrant workers - both legal and illegal, contribute not only to subsidize the social security system of wealthy countries but also help families and communities in the countries of origin through their remittances. It is normal for conservative politicians in rich countries to raise the issue of illegal immigration when their own economy is in trouble and keep quiet about it at the time of economic boom. Politicians in rich and poor countries must work towards uniting people across countries and making the world truly global and free in terms of movements.
Very inspiring news to those who want to settle down in USA at any cost.
On the other hand, inspite of rigorous screening, how come Asians enter
USA illegally? If it is possible in USA what about India! It appears
half of Indian population may not be in a position to produce proper
documents. Enumerating and providing proper ID to all citizens have to
be done thoroughly in India. All government actions and projects are
done in superficial manner without any conviction. We have to learn
sincerity and involvement in the job from western countries.
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