India
Amid Surge in Indians Seeking Asylum in the US, Government Criticizes ‘Personal Gain’ Motive. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concern over the growing number of Indian nationals seeking asylum in the United States. The MEA stated that many asylum seekers “denigrate the nation and society to obtain personal gains.” The remark was made in response to data revealing that over 41,000 Indians applied for asylum in the US in 2023, marking an 855% increase in three years.
Rising Numbers and Trends
According to the US Department of Homeland Security’s 2023 Asylees Annual Flow Report. 41,030 Indians applied for asylum last year, making them the fifth-largest group for defensive asylum and the seventh-largest for affirmative applications. This sharp rise follows a steady increase:
- FY21: 4,330 Indian asylum applications (2,090 affirmative, 2,240 defensive).
- FY22: 14,570 applications (5,370 affirmative, 9,200 defensive).
- FY23: 41,330 applications, nearly tripling again in a single year.
Successful grants of asylum have also risen. In FY23, 5,340 Indians were granted asylum, up from 1,330 in FY21.
Government’s Criticism
The MEA’s stance reflects its concerns about the impact of asylum claims on India’s global reputation. “India, being a democratic country, provides avenues for everyone to redress their grievances lawfully,” the ministry emphasized, suggesting that asylum seekers exaggerate or fabricate claims to qualify as refugees.
Asylum applicants must meet the definition of a refugee under US law, which requires demonstrating persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
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