Context:

• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (January 9), the day that commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915, successive PMs have called people of Indian origin (PIOs) and non-resident Indians (NRIs) as Mother India’s ambassadors.
• However, the plight of illegal Indian migrants returning from the U.S. highlights another reality - one of economic desperation and limited opportunities.

Historical Context of Indian Migration:

• Indian migration has deep historical roots, from indentured labourers during British rule to present-day emigrants seeking economic opportunities.
• The Indian freedom movement opposed indentured labour, considering it akin to slavery.
• The plight of today’s illegal migrants mirrors the struggles faced by indentured labourers in colonial times.
• They serve as a reminder to the world not of Indian genius, entrepreneurship, culture, or civilization, but rather of -
  • The lack of opportunities,
  • The various forms of discrimination, and
  • The unease of living in India that forces them to endure the hardships of illegal migration.

Legal vs. Illegal Migration - A Stark Contrast:

• Legal migrants are welcomed in developed nations due to their financial or intellectual capital.
• Illegal migrants, with only their labour to offer, face hostility and are often deported.
• Developed nations make a clear distinction between skilled professionals and economic refugees.

Current Trends in Illegal Migration:

• Over 170,000 Indian migrants have been detained by U.S. border authorities in the past five years.
• A significant portion of illegal migrants hail from Gujarat and Punjab, states with a strong overseas presence.
• Lack of employment opportunities even in relatively developed states fuels illegal migration.

The Rising Trend of Wealthy Indians Emigrating:

• Many affluent Indians are acquiring foreign citizenship through investment-based migration.
• Over 6,500 wealthy Indians opted for paid emigration in 2022, while 4,300 did so in 2024.
• Between 2011 and 2023, nearly 18.8 lakh Indians renounced their citizenship.

Global Perspectives on Migration:

• Historically, migration has been a means to escape economic hardship.
• The U.S., which once welcomed Europe's poor and desperate, is now restricting migration from developing nations.
• Former U.S. President Donald Trump openly distinguished between skilled and unskilled Indian migrants.

Challenges of Reintegration for Deportees:

• Returning illegal migrants face stigma and economic uncertainty.
• The Indian government and society must address their reintegration and rehabilitation.
• While successful NRIs are celebrated, deported migrants are often ignored or shamed.

Conclusion:

• Migration, both legal and illegal, is a complex issue reflecting economic disparities.
• As India celebrates its global achievers, it must also acknowledge and address the struggles of those who migrate out of desperation.
• A holistic migration policy is needed to balance opportunities at home with global mobility aspirations.