Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Nov 13: The number of Indians seeking asylum in the United States has seen an extraordinary increase of 855% over the past three years, driven largely by applicants from Gujarat. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, Indian asylum applications rose from 4,330 in the 2021 fiscal year (FY21) to a staggering 41,330 in FY23.
In 2023, Indians represented the fifth-largest group in defensive asylum filings and ranked seventh for affirmative applications.
The 2023 Asylees Annual Flow Report, published in October, revealed that 5,340 Indians were granted asylum during the year, split between 2,710 affirmative and 2,630 defensive cases.
Sharp rise in asylum applications
Indian asylum applications have shown a consistent upward trend. In FY21, the total number stood at 4,330, with 2,090 affirmative and 2,240 defensive cases. By FY22, this number more than tripled to 14,570, comprising 5,370 affirmative and 9,200 defensive applications.
The surge continued in FY23, with applications nearly tripling once again to 41,330. This increase highlights a significant push for refuge or legal status in the US, influenced by personal, economic, and political motivations.
Higher approval rates for Indian applicants
The success rate for Indian asylum seekers has also increased. In FY21, 1,330 Indian applications were approved (700 affirmative and 630 defensive). This number more than tripled to 4,260 in FY22, with 2,180 affirmative and 2,080 defensive cases being granted. By FY23, approvals climbed further to 5,340, split almost equally between affirmative and defensive cases.
Gujarat’s major role and contributing factors
The data points to Gujarat as a significant contributor, with nearly half of the applicants originating from the state. The reasons for this increase vary but are likely tied to economic ambitions, perceived opportunities for better living standards, and the pursuit of personal and professional freedoms in the US. Broader concerns about security and opportunities in India may also be driving this surge in applications.
The upward trend in asylum cases reflects a growing aspiration among Indians, particularly from Gujarat, to seek better prospects abroad. The sharp rise underscores both regional and national socio-political factors influencing this migration wave.