Most Indian Asylum Seekers in US Are Punjabi, Few From Conflict Zones

Dive Right Into

Key Takeaways

• Punjabi speakers constitute 66% of Indian asylum seekers in the U.S., with a 63% approval rate, surpassing the 48% global average.
• Indian asylum applications to the U.S. surged from 5,000 in 2021 to over 51,000 in 2023, reflecting rapid growth.
• Political tensions, economic aspirations, and migration traditions drive this trend, with Khalistan-related claims central to asylum approvals.

Indian asylum seekers in the United States are overwhelmingly from Punjab, a relatively prosperous state, rather than from marginalized or conflict-stricken regions like Kashmir. This finding challenges some assumptions about asylum trends and reveals a complex mix of political, economic, and social factors influencing migration patterns. With Punjabi speakers dominating Indian asylum demographics, their remarkably high asylum approval rate has garnered significant attention.

Data from a study by Devesh Kapur and Abby Budiman at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies sheds light on this trend. Over the last two decades, 66% of Indian asylum seekers in the U.S. spoke Punjabi. This evidence strongly suggests that individuals from Punjab make up the bulk of asylum seekers from India. According to data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), Punjabi speakers have an asylum approval rate of 63%. This figure is significantly higher than the overall average across all nationalities, which currently stands at 48%. The reasons behind this high approval rate include the credibility of claims related to religious or political persecution, especially involving tensions surrounding the Sikh separatist movement known as Khalistan.

Most Indian Asylum Seekers in US Are Punjabi, Few From Conflict Zones

The overall number of Indian asylum seekers in the U.S. has increased rapidly. Figures from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveal that asylum filings by Indian nationals grew tenfold within two years, surging from 5,000 applications in 2021 to over 51,000 in 2023. Meanwhile, since October 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered 169,000 Indian migrants at the U.S. borders, further highlighting the scale of this recent migration wave.

Understanding these trends requires delving into the specific factors driving people from Punjab to seek asylum. Political tensions surrounding Khalistan play a central role. While the Khalistan movement—seeking a separate state for Sikhs—has diminished in terms of active militancy, the issue remains deeply divisive within India. Some migrants claim they face persecution as activists or sympathizers of the movement, describing an atmosphere of religious or political discrimination. For others, this narrative may serve as a strong foundation for an asylum application, particularly for those using this pathway as their sole viable option to enter the U.S. Recent Indian government scrutiny of Khalistani activism abroad has only amplified claims of persecution among asylum seekers from Punjab.

However, asylum seekers from Punjab and other affluent Indian states such as Gujarat present a stark contrast to what one might expect. These migrants do not generally come from backgrounds of severe poverty or active conflict. Interestingly, there are few asylum claims from communities traditionally seen as more vulnerable, such as Indian Muslims, Scheduled Caste populations, or groups impacted by violence in Kashmir or the Adivasi (tribal) belt. Instead, many Punjabi applicants may be influenced by “relative deprivation”—a feeling of inequality when compared to higher-income counterparts—rather than absolute deprivation. Economic motivations, coupled with Punjab’s deep-rooted history of migration, create a unique dynamic where asylum serves as both a political claim and an economic opportunity.

Longstanding migration traditions in Punjab further explain this phenomenon. Punjabi families have a history of moving to countries like the U.K., Canada, Australia, and the U.S., motivated by better job prospects and improved quality of life. Remittances, which totaled a staggering $120 billion for India in 2023, further encourage this trend by showcasing the financial rewards of emigrating overseas. Many people migrate not because they live in poverty but because they perceive limited futures within India.

Despite their growing numbers, Indian asylum seekers face varying degrees of success in different countries. In the U.K., Indians are among the least likely to obtain asylum, with approval rates between 6% and 9%. For comparison, approval rates for Pakistanis and Iranians in the U.K. range from 53% to 86%. Similarly, U.S. asylum seekers face significant hurdles. While the success rate for Indian asylum seekers has steadily increased since 2018, approval for defensive asylum claims—a process for individuals already in removal proceedings—remains below 15%. However, court backlogs often delay removal processes by months or even years. By 2023, pending cases involving Indian nationals in U.S. immigration courts swelled to 53,457, up from 10,851 in 2017.

The rich migration history of Punjab includes the controversial ‘donkey route,’ a term used to describe smuggling pathways people take to enter foreign countries illegally. This route often involves paying large sums of money (up to ₹5 million or more) to travel agents or smugglers. Migrants use complex, risky journeys through countries like Mexico to enter the U.S., where they eventually present themselves to border authorities and file for asylum. While awaiting court decisions, these individuals may stay in refugee centers but often receive temporary work authorization. Success stories of those who navigate this risky process contribute to its growing popularity, despite potential deportation. Recently, the practice has expanded from Punjab’s Majha and Doaba regions to other areas, including Malwa.

Critics argue that Punjab’s local government has failed to address the root causes behind this massive outflow of emigrants. The lack of effective action against immigration mafias is one of the major points raised by activists. High unemployment and rampant drug use in Punjab are cited as driving forces behind the migration trend. Advocates call for local reform, suggesting that resolving these issues may reduce the lure of emigrating, particularly through dangerous or illegal methods. Additionally, attention has turned to the treatment of deportees, where reintegration programs remain minimal. Many believe it is essential for governments at all levels to create a better environment within Punjab to ensure young people see opportunities at home.

For Punjabi speakers seeking asylum in the U.S., the high approval rate could be viewed as a reflection of careful consideration in immigration courts. However, it also raises broader questions about the effectiveness of policies and processes addressing asylum claims. The fact that highly charged, politically delicate cases relating to Khalistan find traction within the asylum framework highlights the challenges immigration systems face when balancing enforcement with humanitarian considerations.

At the same time, the broader migration patterns from Punjab underscore the interplay of economic ambitions with legal loopholes. While many individuals use legal pathways, the growing reliance on asylum applications as an entry point risks overwhelming immigration systems and backlogging courts even further. On the other hand, the acceptance of claims rooted in religious or political persecution offers genuine refuge to those confronting significant threats.

As this migration story unfolds, it is crucial to consider its impact on U.S.-India relations and on local governance within Punjab. India may face increased scrutiny over claims of persecution tied to Khalistan, while international human rights boards might pressure the Indian government to address concerns about religious and political freedoms. Within Punjab, mitigating factors like unemployment and the drug crisis could ease migration pressures.

For policymakers in the U.S., developing strategies to handle the rapid uptick in asylum filings will be necessary. The remarkable rise from just 5,000 asylum applications in 2021 to over 51,000 by 2023 illustrates the potential for this trend to place immense strain on the asylum system. Efficient handling of pending cases, ensuring credible claims, and curbing human smuggling networks will be some of the key focuses moving forward.

In conclusion, the migration of Punjabi speakers to the U.S. through asylum channels reveals a multifaceted interplay of political fears, economic aspirations, and long-established migration traditions. While their high asylum approval rate points to the credibility of many claims, challenges such as illegal immigration routes and court backlogs persist. The growing visibility of this trend underscores the need for targeted policies to address both the root causes in Punjab and the procedural bottlenecks in the U.S. As VisaVerge.com suggests, tracking these evolving dynamics is vital for understanding global migration in an increasingly interconnected world.

For anyone seeking more information regarding the asylum application process, the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website serves as an excellent resource: official link.

Learn Today

Asylum → Protection granted to individuals fleeing persecution or serious harm in their home country due to specific threats.
Khalistan Movement → A Sikh separatist campaign advocating for an independent state in India, rooted in religious and political tensions.
Defensive Asylum → A process for migrants already in removal proceedings to request protection from deportation based on credible fears.
Donkey Route → An illegal smuggling pathway used by migrants to enter foreign countries, often involving high costs and dangerous journeys.
Relative Deprivation → A feeling of inequality experienced when comparing one’s situation to others, often driving migration decisions.

This Article in a Nutshell

Punjab’s prosperity contrasts sharply with its asylum surge to the U.S. Sikh persecution claims, tied to the Khalistan movement, fuel a 63% approval rate—well above average. Motivated by political fears and economic aspirations, migrants risk perilous routes. Addressing Punjab’s unemployment and drug crises could curb this trend, easing U.S. immigration challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com