Thousands of undocumented immigrants are slated for deportation from the US to India, and the first group has already arrived. This new focus on deportations has brought to light a range of strategies employed by individuals seeking unlawful entry into the US. As immigration authorities increase their scrutiny at borders and within the country, they are uncovering more about the different methods used by those who attempt to bypass the legal immigration system. While some individuals resort to traditional illegal entry routes, others have turned to more complex and often deceptive strategies.Â
One of the most notable and increasingly common routes involves the exploitation of student visa programs. These programs, designed to allow international students to gain international exposure for their education, are being used not for academic purposes, but as a temporary legal cover for individuals planning to enter the country unlawfully. By securing a student visa, these individuals can legally enter a host country, and from there, attempt to move towards the United States. This rising trend has sparked concerns among immigration experts and authorities about the vulnerability of educational systems being used as vessels for unauthorized movement and eventual illegal settlement in the US.
Using Education as a Temporary Cover
Some individuals invest considerable sums in tuition and related education expenses. Their primary aim is not academic achievement but to obtain temporary legal status in a foreign country. This status, gained through enrollment in an educational institution, is later used to shift toward unauthorized entry into the United States. Although completing a degree might eventually offer a path to legitimate work permits and residency, a number of these students opt to discontinue their studies, seeking a quicker but riskier route to the US.
Apart from the UK, other European countries offer short-term study programs, work permits, or even tourist visas that allow for a limited stay. These avenues enable migrants to obtain necessary documentation and temporary residence status. Once in Europe, they typically travel toward Mexico, often by land or sea, and then attempt to cross the border into the US. This method is sometimes seen as a less expensive option compared to more direct routes, despite the inherent dangers involved.
Data indicate that additional migration paths are in use beyond the commonly discussed routes. For instance, some migrants choose to travel to South American countries that offer visa-on-arrival or tourist visas, using this legal entry as a springboard for more challenging journeys. After arriving by air, they set out on long, often perilous treks across difficult terrains to reach Mexico, where they then attempt to cross into the United States. In another observed trend, certain individuals enroll in Canadian educational institutions, only to vanish during their stay and make brief crossings into the US. These alternative routes illustrate the diverse methods adopted by those determined to enter the United States, reflecting a willingness to navigate complex and risky pathways in search of better economic opportunities.
