Data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reveals an 855% surge in asylum applications from India, with numbers rising from 4,330 in the 2021 fiscal year to 41,330 in 2023. By 2023, India became the fifth-largest nationality in terms of refugee applications filed in the United States, underscoring the increasing prominence of Indian nationals within the American asylum system.
In 2021, 1,330 Indian applicants were granted protection in the U.S., with the figure likely to rise as claims from 2021 and 2022 continue to be processed. This sharp increase in asylum applications from India is attributed to a mix of political unrest, economic hardship and a pursuit of security and opportunity abroad, reflecting a broader migration trend from India to the U.S.
The largest portion of these applicants is from the Gujarati community, according to Indian sources. Gujaratis have historically formed a substantial segment of India’s asylum seekers, a trend that has intensified in recent years due to a combination of socio-political factors.
Over time, the U.S. has seen the development of strong Gujarati communities, which provide robust support networks for new arrivals. Key hubs of settlement include areas with significant Gujarati populations such as Edison, New Jersey; Artesia, California and parts of Chicago. These communities offer not only cultural and religious ties but also economic opportunities, making them attractive destinations for new migrants.
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