India’s migration crisis needs better opportunities at home

Source: The post India’s migration crisis needs better opportunities at home has been created, based on the article “A land where ambition grows minus an outbound ticket” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2025. India’s migration crisis needs better opportunities at home.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1– population and associated issues, poverty and

developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.

Context:  The U.S. recently deported Indian migrants who entered illegally. Many were handcuffed and flown back on military aircraft, sparking outrage. Migration is not just about policy; it is about human lives. While it has shaped economies and societies, stricter global policies now make it harder.

Reasons for Rising Migration

1. Success of Indian Migrants in the IT Industry: India has the world’s largest emigrant population, with many achieving global success. Leaders like Sundar Pichai (Google) and Satya Nadella (Microsoft) exemplify India’s influence in the IT sector. While migration has driven economic growth, increasing global restrictions now pose challenges for aspiring professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
2. The Paradox of India’s Growth and Outmigration: Remittances exceeded $120 billion in 2023, highlighting India’s reliance on migration. Despite economic growth, youth unemployment, declining agricultural incomes, and limited career opportunities continue to drive people abroad. Even prosperous states like Gujarat and Punjab face significant outmigration. While India celebrates global success stories, it struggles to provide dignified work and stability at home.
3. The Exploitative Industry of Illegal Migration: Smuggling networks prey on desperation, convincing even middle-class families to risk everything for migration. The Gujarati family that froze to death at the Canada-U.S. border in 2022 highlights the dangers. Some deported individuals had paid ₹1 crore for illegal routes, raising questions about why people with such resources still seek uncertain futures abroad.
4. The Harsh Reality of the American Dream: For many migrants, the American Dream is an illusion. An estimated 7,25,000 undocumented Indians live in the U.S., often in precarious jobs with constant fear of deportation. The Biden administration deported 1,100 Indians last year, and 1,70,000 Indian migrants have been detained since 2020 while attempting to cross illegally. The recent deportations—conducted with shackles and military transport—have drawn criticism, echoing similar protests by Colombia and Mexico against such treatment of their citizens.

Key Issues

1. Rise of Smuggling Networks: The lack of domestic opportunities fuels illegal migration, creating a dangerous cycle.
2. Human Rights Concerns in Deportation: Deportation should be an administrative process, not a punitive spectacle.
3. Disillusionment with Migration: Many migrants end up in exploitative jobs, challenging the idea of foreign prosperity.

Way Forward

1. Creating More Domestic Opportunities: India must invest in education, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship to ensure migration remains a choice, not a necessity.
2. Combating Smuggling Networks: Stronger enforcement and public awareness can deter illegal migration.
3. Ensuring Dignified Deportation Processes: India must demand fair treatment for its citizens abroad.
4. Building India as an Economic Magnet: Instead of exporting talent, India should create an environment where ambition flourishes domestically.

Conclusion

Illegal migration stems from deeper structural challenges. While it must be addressed, the response should ensure dignity and focus on long-term economic solutions rather than reactionary deportation debates. India must work towards a future where people stay by choice, not out of necessity.

Question for practice:

Examine the key reasons behind India’s migration crisis and the challenges faced by Indian migrants abroad.