Understanding the reality of undocumented South Asians reveals the complexities of immigration, highlighting the need for advocacy and support for this often-overlooked community.
By Shakeel Syed
The haunting images of over a hundred Indian migrants being deported to India on a U.S. military plane, their hands tied and ankles shackled, are difficult to forget. Their only crime was lacking proper documentation, rendering them undocumented or under-documented.
It is crucial to recognize the existence of undocumented and under-documented South Asians, who frequently remain invisible due to the prevailing model minority myth.
Among the estimated 11 million undocumented individuals in the United States, between 800,000 and 900,000 are South Asian. With around 6.5 million South Asian Americans in the country, this means that approximately 1 in 8 South Asians are undocumented.
A recent policy brief from the South Asian Coalition and ASATA Power sheds light on the realities faced by undocumented immigrants. However, it is important to note that these statistics may underestimate the actual population figures, especially in the context of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment.
Indians represent one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in the United States, with their numbers soaring from 600,000 in 1990 to 3.2 million in 2022—a staggering 500% increase. It is essential for those of us who are “properly documented” to understand the challenges faced by the undocumented and to confront the intense vitriol directed at them. Undocumented Indians are the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., following those from Mexico and El Salvador.
Anti-Asian and anti-immigrant hate has surged in recent years. A report by the coalition Stop AAPI Hate, titled “Empowered/Imperiled” (October 2024), highlights the simultaneous rise of South Asian political representation and the increase in anti-South Asian hate.
Additionally, there are prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding South Asian immigrants that need to be addressed.
One common misconception is that immigration from India is uniform. In reality, there are significant nuances. Punjabi speakers make up the largest ethnolinguistic group among undocumented Indian immigrants, followed by individuals from Haryana and Gujarat.
Another misconception is that education levels predict undocumented status. In fact, 91% of undocumented Indians have attended some college or have obtained a college degree or higher education.
It is a moral imperative for those of us who have successfully navigated the immigration system to actively reject anti-South Asian hate and to advocate for the rights of undocumented and under-documented immigrants.
The South Asian Network is committed to continuing its advocacy for immigrants and demands the following:
First, undocumented immigrants should not face undue punishment for low-level offenses that lead to deportation and family separation.
Second, we must reject attempts to limit undocumented immigrants’ access to public benefits and advocate for a robust social safety net that ensures living wages, healthcare, education, and other essential supports for undocumented individuals.
Third, South Asian-American legal professionals must step up to provide legal assistance to those facing immigration or removal proceedings.
Finally, South Asian-American legislators and leaders in the corporate sector should leverage their influence to secure increased funding for the immigration court system, ensuring that claims are processed fairly and in a timely manner.
As we move forward, it is vital to amplify the voices of undocumented South Asians and to work collectively towards a more just and equitable immigration system.
According to Source Name.