The number of Indian nationals attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border illegally has sharply increased in recent years. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, nearly 44,000 Indian nationals tried to enter the U.S. without authorization in fiscal 2024. This represents a significant rise from approximately 30,000 in 2023 and 17,331 in 2022.
Indian nationals were the most frequently encountered group at the northern border in the past fiscal year. They accounted for about 22% of the total 198,929 land border encounters at the U.S.-Canada border in 2024.
Trump and Trudeau Discuss Border Security
The latest statistics come amid preparations for President-elect Donald Trump’s second term, with border security once again a central theme of his campaign. Trump recently met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The two leaders described their meeting as “very productive,” focusing on various topics, including border security.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the need for cooperation between the U.S. and Canada to address the fentanyl crisis, which he linked to illegal immigration and drug cartels. He also highlighted concerns about trade policies, particularly the U.S. trade deficit with Canada.
“We discussed many important topics that require both countries to work together, such as the fentanyl and drug crisis,” Trump wrote. “I made it clear that the U.S. will no longer sit by while our citizens suffer from this epidemic caused by fentanyl from China.”
Canada Tightens Border Policies
In response to growing concerns over illegal migration, Canada has begun tightening its border policies. A Financial Times report from September revealed that Canada had rolled back its worker visa program, which had previously been seen as more lenient. This shift is partly aimed at addressing U.S. concerns about illegal immigration from Canada.
Glenn Cowan, CEO of the security company One9, told the Financial Times that U.S. lawmakers have called for a stronger border enforcement along the northern border. He believes that Canada’s visa policy changes will help improve relations with the U.S.
As Trump prepares for his return to office, these border and trade issues are expected to remain a focal point in U.S.-Canada relations. Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico over trade disputes.
During his meeting with Trudeau, Trump also discussed energy, trade, and Arctic relations, describing them as “vital issues” to be addressed early in his second term.
Uncertainty Over Future Tariffs
While Trump did not indicate whether tariffs would still be considered after his meeting with Trudeau, the discussions underscore the ongoing complexities of U.S.-Canada relations and the broader issue of illegal immigration.
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