In brief
The impact of President Trump's administration is felt in India, as families fear for loved ones migrating to the U.S. illegally, amid rising deportation concerns.
In the Mehsana district of Gujarat, India, families are feeling the heat of rising anxiety as they send loved ones to the United States. The community is underscored by a blend of hope and fear, especially with President Trump's administration promising tough immigration policies. One family recently visited a temple to pray for their son's safety after he entered the U.S. just days before legal crackdowns began. The village boasts numerous donations to the temple from expatriates in America, showcasing a deep connection to the U.S. Data indicates India is a significant source of undocumented immigrants; as of 2022, over 700,000 undocumented Indians resided in the U.S., making them the third-largest group behind Mexicans and Hondurans. With 90,000 illegal border crossings recorded in 2023, the already prevalent issue is exacerbated by the looming threat of mass deportations, raising uncertainty and concern for many families back home.
