The challenge of illegal immigration has become a pressing issue in the United States, largely because of the failure of successive administrations and the Congress to address the country’s broken immigration system. A well-functioning and humane immigration system is crucial for the health of American governance, economy, society and democracy.
Recent data from the Pew Research Centre shows that Indians form the third-largest undocumented immigrant population, after Mexico and El Salvador, and ahead of Guatemala and Honduras. While there have been instances of Indian deportations, there is no evidence to suggest that Indians are being disproportionately targeted compared to other nationalities. If such deliberate targeting comes to light, the Government of India must address the issue―as it relates to Indian nationals directly―with the US, and we will certainly redouble our efforts to educate the community about their rights and advocate for equal protection and due process.
The broader issue at hand is not immigration from specific countries but the overarching challenge of illegal immigration. Unfortunately, this has been accompanied by an uptick in racist rhetoric directed at all immigrants, fuelled by xenophobic opposition to immigration in general. This rhetoric fails to distinguish between Americans of Indian origin and those who have entered illegally or overstayed their visas.
For years, multiple administrations have shown, at best, apathy and, at worst, resistance to reforming the immigration system. Challenges that have rendered our system broken include lax enforcement of existing laws, discriminatory country caps that leave legal immigrants waiting decades for permanent residency and inhumanely leaving in limbo those children of undocumented individuals who have lived their whole lives in the US. These children know no other home, and yet may face deportation to what, for them, is a foreign country.
America is a nation of immigrants―everyone other than Native Americans came here from somewhere comparatively recently. Each wave of immigrants has faced xenophobia from earlier arrivals, yet they have persevered and contributed significantly to American society. The issue is not immigration itself but creating a system that welcomes skilled workers, is fair to those who follow the rules and provides refuge to those fleeing persecution.
Every nation has the right to control its borders, so crafting an immigration system that balances these elements and is consistently enforced is essential. Concerns about public safety are often exaggerated, as the majority of undocumented individuals are not engaged in criminal activity beyond violating immigration laws. Similarly, national security concerns related to illegal immigration are secondary to the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Finally, the impact of illegal immigration on Social Security is either neutral or similar to that of any working person in the US, depending on whether taxes are paid. Undocumented workers who pay taxes contribute to a system they may never benefit from, highlighting the need for a fair and inclusive immigration policy.
As the US moves forward, there is a profound opportunity to create a more inclusive and effective immigration system that not only strengthens the nation but also honours its legacy as a beacon of hope and opportunity for people from around the world. By embracing this challenge with compassion, fairness, and a commitment to reform, America can continue to thrive as a vibrant tapestry of cultures, fostering a brighter future for all its people.
The author, based in Philadelphia, is co-founder and executive director of Hindu American Foundation.