Indian immigration surges at US-Canada border

The U.S.-Canada border has seen a sharp increase in attempts by illegal Indian immigrants to cross the border in recent years.

According to the latest figures from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection data portal, nearly 44,000 Indians attempted to cross the U.S.-Canada border illegally in fiscal year 2024, compared to about 30,000 in fiscal year 2023. This is an increase from 17,331 people in FY2022.

Among people tracked last year, Indians were the most frequently encountered nationality at the northern border, accounting for about 22% of the 198,929 total land border encounters at the U.S.-Canada border in fiscal year 2024.

President Trump boasts of 'very productive meeting' with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago

The latest numbers come as President-elect Trump prepares for his second term in office, reiterating border security as one of the former president's favorite selling points on the campaign trail.

President Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Friday, and said the two leaders had a “very productive” conversation, including discussions on border security.

“We are committed to working together to address the fentanyl and drug crisis that has taken too many lives as a result of illegal immigration, fair trade agreements that do not put American workers at risk, and our massive trade deficit. We discussed many important topics that need to be addressed. The United States is working with Canada,” President Trump wrote on Saturday's Truth Social.

“I have made it clear that the United States can no longer stand by and watch our people fall victim to the scourge of this drug epidemic, caused primarily by drug cartels and fentanyl coming from China. Too much death and suffering!”

People cross the U.S.-Canada border in Blaine, Washington, on August 9, 2021. (Reuters/David Ryder)

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The Financial Times reported in September that the Canadian government is already moving to tighten border policies amid strained relations with the United States, starting with the rollback of a generous worker visa program.

Glenn Cowan, founder and CEO of security firm One9, told the Financial Times: “U.S. lawmakers are pushing to strengthen the northern border with Canada over fears of illegal immigration from Canada.'' ” he said. “Blocking the flow of these visas would strengthen our relationship with the United States.”

That effort could take on added significance as the Canadian government prepares to work again with President Trump, who in the past has threatened to impose tariffs on both Canada and Mexico.

Canadian Customs and Fisheries officers monitor the U.S.-Canada border between Blaine, Washington, and White Rock, British Columbia. (Jeff Vinik/Getty Images/File)

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President Trump did not say Saturday whether such tariffs were still on the table after his meeting with Trudeau, but said the two leaders also discussed energy, trade and Arctic relations. .

“These are important issues that I will address on and before my first day in office,” Trump said.