Deportation becomes a real threat for Indians as US wait times for asylum applications skyrocket

Thousands of undocumented Indians in the United States are grappling with prolonged delays, detentions, and the looming threat of deportation. These challenges arise from a complex immigration system that often leaves individuals in limbo for years while awaiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hearings, which are critical for their asylum applications.

According to a TOI report, in 2023, approximately 41,000 Indians applied for asylum in the US, many of whom now face extended waiting periods for their cases to be processed. Legal sources told TOI that some hearings are scheduled as far ahead as 2027, leaving applicants in precarious circumstances. A man from Gujarat, granted "alien status" in Atlanta earlier this year, received a hearing date for March 2027, highlighting the lengthy wait times for legal resolutions.

For those caught staying illegally before their scheduled hearings, deportation to India becomes an imminent threat. A couple from Gujarat's Mehsana district, detained with their child after crossing the US-Canada border in June, are among those in detention camps. Their case, pending with ICE, has a hearing date set for August 2026.


Human smuggling networks have reportedly advised clients to avoid citing political persecution as grounds for asylum, warning of stricter scrutiny and higher deportation risks. Videos have surfaced showing Gujarati migrants entering the US illegally and falsely claiming political harassment to bolster their asylum cases.

This issue has drawn attention in India, with the Rajya Sabha recently debating the matter. The government criticized asylum seekers for allegedly "maligning the country for personal gain."

The prolonged legal uncertainties and detention conditions underscore the difficulties faced by undocumented Indians in pursuing the American dream. Advocacy groups urge potential migrants to be aware of the legal risks and complexities before undertaking such journeys.