Context

• Migration has always been a defining element of human civilization. It shapes societies, economies, and cultural landscapes across the globe.
• The recent controversy surrounding the deportation of Indian migrants from the United States sheds light on a complex and painful reality.
• While India celebrates its global achievers, a large portion of its population continues to seek opportunities elsewhere, legally or otherwise.
• Now it becomes crucial to explore the paradox of Indian migration, the factors driving it, the challenges faced by migrants, and the need for a national introspection on creating a future where migration is a choice rather than a necessity.

The Indian Diaspora: Success and Struggles

• India has the highest number of emigrants in the world.
• Many Indians have thrived abroad, with leaders such as Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google) and Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft) showcasing India’s intellectual prowess.
• These individuals symbolise a success story that India proudly claims. However, the Indian migration story is not uniform.
• At the other end of the spectrum are thousands of undocumented migrants, many of whom embark on perilous journeys to the United States, often via illegal routes through Canada or Mexico.
• Unlike the tech entrepreneurs and skilled professionals, these migrants are not fleeing war or persecution but are seeking economic security and stability that they believe their home country cannot provide.
• Their plight raises a critical question: why do so many Indians, despite belonging to a fast-growing economy, feel the need to risk everything for an uncertain future abroad?

The Paradox of India’s Economic Growth and Migration

• A painful contradiction lies at the heart of India’s migration crisis. India boasts impressive economic growth, yet rising youth unemployment and economic disparity drive people away.
• While urban centres showcase world-class infrastructure, many citizens still struggle for dignified work.
• States like Gujarat and Punjab, considered economically prosperous, have high rates of illegal migration.
• The desperation of even well-off families, such as the Gujarati family that tragically froze to death at the Canada-U.S. border, suggests that the problem is not just economic but also one of aspiration and social mobility.
• This contradiction raises an uncomfortable question: if India is truly progressing, why do so many of its people feel compelled to leave?

Factors Driving the Migration

• Booming Economy, Shrinking Opportunities
  • At first glance, India’s economy appears to be thriving.
  • The country boasts a GDP growth rate that outpaces many developed nations, an increasing middle class, and a rapidly expanding digital economy.
  • It is home to some of the world’s most valuable startups, a powerful IT sector, and an increasing presence in global manufacturing.
  • Yet, beneath these statistics lies a harsh reality: economic growth has not translated into widespread, inclusive opportunities.
  • One of the primary drivers of migration is
  • Despite India’s strong economic indicators, job creation has not kept pace with the millions of young Indians entering the workforce each year.
• The Middle-Class Exodus: Why Even the Affluent Are Leaving
  • Traditionally, migration was driven by economic necessity, with poorer individuals seeking low-skilled jobs abroad to support their families.
  • However, in recent years, a surprising trend has emerged, upper-middle-class families and even wealthy individuals are choosing to migrate.
  • States like Gujarat and Punjab, which are often cited as economic success stories, see thousands of people leaving every year.
  • Many middle-class families leave not just for better wages but for improved healthcare, education, and social security.
  • Many parents see foreign education as a gateway to better job prospects and a superior quality of life for their children.
  • While India’s startup culture is thriving, the bureaucratic hurdles, inconsistent regulations, and corruption make it difficult for businesses to scale efficiently.
• Failure of Inclusive Growth
  • India’s migration paradox is ultimately a failure of inclusive growth.
  • While the country celebrates its economic progress, wealth and opportunities remain concentrated in specific industries and among certain sections of society.
  • The rapid urbanisation of India has led to development in metropolitan cities, but rural and semi-urban areas continue to lag in terms of employment generation and infrastructure.
  • Additionally, sectors like agriculture, which still employ a large portion of India’s workforce, face declining productivity and profitability.
  • Many farmers’ children see no future in agriculture and look toward migration as a means of escaping economic hardship.
  • The drug crisis in Punjab, for instance, is partly linked to youth disillusionment due to diminishing opportunities in farming.

The Illusion of the American Dream

• The United States, long seen as the land of opportunity, has increasingly become a difficult place for migrants, especially undocumented ones.
• Many Indians who reach the U.S. illegally find themselves trapped in low-paying jobs, constantly living in fear of deportation.
• The American Dream, once considered a golden ticket, often turns into an endless struggle for survival in a society that does not always welcome outsiders.
• The recent deportations highlight the harsh reality of illegal migration.
• While the U.S. has the legal right to deport undocumented individuals, the manner in which it is done, shackling and handcuffing migrants, raises questions about human dignity.
• Other countries, like Colombia and Mexico, have condemned such treatment of their citizens, recognising that deportation is an administrative process, not a criminal punishment.
• India, too, must take a firm stand against the mistreatment of its people, ensuring that its citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

The Way Forward: The Need for Change; Creating Opportunities at Home

• Job Creation and Economic Reforms
  • India must focus on policies that create meaningful employment, particularly for the youth.
  • While the economy grows, job opportunities have not kept pace with the rising population.
  • Investments in industries such as manufacturing, technology, and services can help absorb the workforce.
• Improving Education and Skill Development
  • Many Indian migrants take low-wage jobs abroad despite having higher education qualifications.
  • There is a need to align India’s education system with industry demands and provide vocational training that equips young people with skills relevant to today’s job market.
• Strengthening Infrastructure and Entrepreneurship
  • If India wants to retain its talent, it must make entrepreneurship and innovation easier. Many Indians who succeed abroad do so because they find better ecosystems for growth.
  • Encouraging startups, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and providing financial support can create an environment where young Indians can thrive at home.

Conclusion

• The true measure of India’s progress should not be its economic growth alone but its ability to retain its talent and provide opportunities for all its citizens.
• Migration should be an option, not a compulsion driven by desperation.
• India must transform from being a country that exports talent to one that attracts and nurtures it.
• A rising India must be a place where ambition is fulfilled without the need for an outbound ticket, where success stories are written not just in Silicon Valley but in Indian cities and villages alike.