The allure of the American Dream is proving to be a powerful magnet for Indians seeking a better life, as evidenced by the dramatic rise in asylum applications from the country. New data released by the US Department of Homeland Security paints a stark picture of this growing trend, revealing a staggering 855% increase in applications over the past three years.
In fiscal year (FY) 2021, 4,330 Indian individuals sought asylum in the United States. By FY 2023, this number had ballooned to a remarkable 41,330, demonstrating the burgeoning desire among Indians to establish a new life and secure their future in the US.
Indian officials attribute much of this surge to applicants from Gujarat, a western Indian state. Reports suggest that close to half of all Indian asylum seekers in the US hail from this region.
The data reveals a significant shift in the composition of asylum applications, with Indians now ranking as the fifth largest nationality seeking defensive asylum in the US. This type of application is made by individuals already in the US who face deportation and are seeking protection from removal. They also rank seventh for affirmative asylum applications, where individuals seek asylum before facing removal proceedings.
The increase in asylum grants has mirrored the surge in applications. In FY 2021, 1,330 Indians were granted asylum, with the majority (700) receiving affirmative asylum and 630 defensive. This number more than tripled to 4,260 in FY 2022 and further increased to 5,340 in FY 2023. The number of affirmative asylum grants jumped from 700 in 2021 to 2,710 in 2023, while defensive asylum grants rose from 630 to 2,630 during the same period.
The rise in Indian asylum seekers is a testament to the enduring power of the American Dream, despite the challenges of the asylum process, which includes long wait times and legal hurdles. The promise of economic opportunities, safety, and a brighter future continues to attract individuals from all corners of the globe, with India being no exception.
This growing trend is indicative of a broader global migration pattern, with many seeking a new life in the US, fueled by a desire for a better future, personal safety, and economic stability. The US asylum system is grappling with the increasing influx of applicants, and the rise of Indian asylum seekers highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating immigration policies and the enduring power of the American Dream.
