PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — In Plattsburgh, New York, a group of Indian immigrants disembark from a taxi minivan beside the Clinton County government building. They are quickly met by a group of fellow Indian immigrants who have been waiting to offer them rides to New York City.
This scene highlights a growing informal economy that has emerged in response to a significant rise in unauthorized crossings along the northern U.S.-Canada border over the past 18 months.
Shivam, a 20-year-old driver from India, explains, “I rent a car and come here. I’m just helping people.” Despite his modest claim, the venture is a profitable business, with drivers charging between $150 and $300 per person for the six-hour trip to New York City, where migrants seek work or head to other U.S. cities.
Rising Crossings: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have reported nearly 20,000 encounters with migrants between ports of entry on the northern border this year. This figure represents a 95% increase from the previous year.
The surge is not entirely understood, but it’s notable that nearly 60% of these encounters involve Indian nationals. Shivam himself entered the U.S. illegally a few weeks ago, traversing the dense woods between Canada and upstate New York. He describes the journey as challenging due to the dark, muddy conditions.
Shivam is currently awaiting an immigration hearing after claiming asylum in the U.S. He admits that his primary motivation was employment opportunities, stating, “I get more opportunities in the U.S. compared to Canada.”
Differences in Migration Trends: Pablo Bose, director of the Global and Regional Studies Program at the University of Vermont, notes that Indian immigrants have different motivations than those from Central and South America, who often flee violence and crime. While the U.S. southern border has seen increased crossings due to these factors, northern border crossings are driven more by economic opportunity.
Many Indian migrants choose to enter the U.S. through Canada due to its favorable immigration policies. Canada’s temporary work permits and express entry for skilled workers attract many who later move to the U.S. for better job prospects.
Challenges and Perceptions: Migrants crossing the northern border face significant risks, including harsh winter temperatures and swift denial of asylum under agreements between the U.S. and Canada. However, some consider this route safer than traveling through Central America or Mexico.
Deivy Morales, a 25-year-old Venezuelan, experienced the difficulties firsthand. After his asylum case stalled in Canada for two years, he decided to cross into New York State. He described the journey through the woods as grueling but was motivated by a desire to reunite with family in Chicago.
Morales, who had previously crossed into the U.S. from Mexico, was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol. While he was initially short on funds, an Indian taxi driver agreed to drive him to New York City for $150.
Conclusion: The increase in unauthorized crossings at the northern border has led to the growth of an informal economy, with new businesses emerging to cater to the needs of migrants. As this trend continues, both the challenges and opportunities for migrants will likely evolve.