Washington – Indian Congressman Shashi Tharoor has weighed in on the growing concerns surrounding unauthorized Indian immigrants in the United States, stating that those who are Indian citizens must return if they are found to be in violation of immigration laws. His comments come amid an ongoing deportation process targeting individuals residing in the U.S. without legal status.
According to the report, the total number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. stood at 10.5 million in 2021, representing about 3% of the country’s total population. Additionally, unauthorized immigrants accounted for approximately 22% of the foreign-born population in the U.S. during that period.
The study highlights that the overall number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. has remained relatively stable over the past decade, though the composition of this population has shifted. While the number of Mexican unauthorized immigrants has declined over the years, populations from other countries, including India, have seen an increase.
With the current deportation processes underway, the situation of Indian unauthorized immigrants has come under renewed focus. Immigration authorities have ramped up enforcement efforts, leading to deportation proceedings against individuals residing in the U.S. without legal status. Visa overstays have been identified as a significant factor contributing to the unauthorized population from countries like India, making many individuals vulnerable to deportation measures.
The Pew Research Center’s estimates are based on government data sources, including census surveys and population projections. The findings underscore the ongoing discussions around immigration policies in the U.S., particularly concerning pathways to legal status for unauthorized immigrants and measures to address visa overstays. The report also provides insights into the broader trends of migration patterns affecting the country amid evolving immigration enforcement policies.