The number of Indian nationals attempting to enter the United States illegally through the Canadian border has seen a substantial increase in recent years, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. Fiscal year 2024 recorded nearly 44,000 such attempts, a significant jump from approximately 30,000 in 2023 and 17,331 in 2022.
This makes Indian citizens the most frequently encountered nationality at the U.S.-Canada border among those tracked, accounting for about 22% of the nearly 200,000 total land border encounters during the last fiscal year.
President-elect Trump and Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau (Getty Images)
This surge coincides with President-elect Trump's return to office, who has consistently emphasized border security throughout his campaigns. Following a recent meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago, Trump described their discussions as "very productive," highlighting border security, the fentanyl crisis fueled by illegal immigration, and trade deals as key topics.
Trump stressed the urgent need to address the fentanyl epidemic and its devastating impact, largely attributed to drug cartels and the influx of fentanyl from China. He emphasized that the U.S. would no longer tolerate its citizens falling victim to this crisis.
People cross the U.S.-Canadian border in Blaine, Wash., Aug. 9, 2021. (Reuters/David Ryder)
In response to the increasing illegal immigration concerns, the Canadian government has reportedly started tightening its border control measures, including scaling back its worker visa program. Experts believe these efforts are crucial for improving U.S.-Canada relations, especially given past tensions surrounding potential tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
A Canadian Customs and Fisheries officer watches over the U.S.-Canada border between Blaine, Wash., and White Rock, British Columbia. (Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images/File)
While Trump didn't specify whether tariffs remain a possibility after his meeting with Trudeau, he confirmed that energy, trade, and Arctic relations were also discussed. He reiterated his commitment to addressing these vital issues upon his return to office.
