Indian migrants facing hardships overseas 

September 23, 2025

Abhishek Vij

It is an open fact that over the past few months, the United States, Canada, England, and other Western countries have made their stance against immigration clear, stating that their countries are for their native. Those who have settled in their countries in the hope of earning a living, regardless of how long they have lived there, are considered unwanted intruders and will be expelled. Last year saw such distasteful incidents. For example, illegal Indian immigrants were deported from the United States to India in handcuffs and shackles.

Furthermore, Donald Trump has further tightened visa rules for immigration in the name of education. H-1B visa holders from the United States will now be required to pay an annual application fee of ₹8.8 million. Furthermore, the Trump administration has imposed travel restrictions on citizens of 19 countries. These restrictions have shattered the dreams of thousands of students. They had made countless preparations and studied to migrate abroad, but now, due to changed rules, their entry has become extremely difficult. Restrictions on foreigners have been imposed not only by the United States, but also by Canada and England. Recently, there was news that an elderly woman of Indian origin, who had been living in the United States for 33 years, was detained because she lacked proper documents.
Across countries like Canada and England, stricter immigration restrictions and document checks have made entry nearly impossible for Indians, with deportations looming for those lacking paperwork. Previously, migrants could request asylum at borders, but these routes are now closing. Compounding the issue, there appears to be little effort to address anti-India activities, further alienating the Indian immigrant community.

The lack of cooperation by the United States and England on curbing anti-India extremist activity adds another challenge for Indian immigrants. Meanwhile, anti-immigration sentiment is rising, exemplified by mass protests in London demanding the exclusion of immigrants from local job markets.

Earlier, an organization of immigrants also held a demonstration, urging that these immigrants not be forcibly deported. In this way, two groups have emerged in these countries: opponents and supporters. Because of this, the dreams of Indian youth to migrate abroad are being shattered. We are unable to invest in India’s youth in rebuilding India. When the younger generation begins to migrate abroad using legal and illegal means, foreigners also begin to feel uneasy. Their new slogan is, “America for Americans.” These slogans are undoubtedly dangerous for Indian immigrants. If they were granted green cards or foreign citizenship with proper validation, perhaps the labor markets in these countries would not experience such fluctuations.