Write Mind | Between Generosity And Prudence: Navigating India’s Immigration Dilemma

The TISS report ‘Illegal Immigrants to Mumbai: Socio-economic and Political Consequences’ is a data-driven analysis of the impact of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants on India’s financial capital. The study shows that these immigrants, mostly Muslims, have settled in 94 pockets and strategic choke points across Mumbai and have contributed to a disproportionate increase in the Muslim population. According to the report’s projections, by 2051, the Hindu population in Mumbai could decline to less than 54 per cent and the Muslim population could rise to around 30 per cent.

The report also highlights the economic consequences of illegal immigration. It notes that illegal immigrants who are willing to work for lower wages are displacing local workers in sectors like construction, domestic work and street vending. Moreover, the burden on public services like healthcare, education and sanitation is huge, as illegal immigrants are using these services without contributing to the tax base.

Illegal immigrants without proper documents and background checks are vulnerable to being drawn into criminal networks, drug trafficking, sex rackets or even terrorist organisations. The TISS study shows that 9 per cent of the illegal immigrants surveyed are involved in smuggling, 7 per cent in drug trafficking, and a whopping 23 per cent in prostitution. The report says, “Illegal migrants are more quickly integrated into informal labour markets, and many rely on informal households and social networks for economic survival. It points out the cyclical nature of illegal immigrants and its link with the cycle of crime in Mumbai."

The changing public opinion on immigration, globally, is a warning sign. The phrase “import third world, become third world" sums up the growing concerns on the socio-economic and cultural impact of uncontrolled immigration. Countries like the US, UK and Germany have seen a backlash against immigration with demands for tighter border control and a more rigorous vetting process. The recent results of the American presidential election, entailing a landslide victory for Donald Trump, are a testament to the rise in nationalism and concerns over illicit immigration across the globe. India, with its porous borders and complex socio-political landscape, is more vulnerable to the destabilising impact of illegal immigration.

Let’s not forget that opposing illegal immigration doesn’t mean being xenophobic or intolerant. The TISS report says the issue is not about religion or ethnicity; it’s about upholding the rule of law, national security and fair distribution of resources. The Indian government has a responsibility to look after its citizens and ensure that the growth and development of the country benefits all Indians, regardless of their faith or background.

This demographic change has serious socio-political implications. Social cohesion is a major worry. The report highlights that “cultural differences between immigrants and locals breed mistrust and create fissures and social divides in communities." It further states, “As immigrants compete for resources, social disparities widen and discrimination and stereotypes against them grow."

The report observes, “The unchecked influx of Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants has turned slums into overcrowded and unsanitary hubs and exacerbated the conditions of the poor of the city." Many illegal immigrants get housing and services through forged documents and political patronage, and this leads to accusations of “Vote-Jihad politics." This erodes the integrity of the democratic process and creates resentment among local residents who feel their interests are being ignored. The report further states, “Nationalist sentiment grows as immigration policy polarizes with accusations of political manipulation to get immigrant votes."

Also, the report highlights the impact of illegal immigration on urban infrastructure and public resources. It states, “Public infrastructure projects stall as city planners struggle to cope with the pressure of unchecked immigration." The report further notes “immigrant enclaves isolated from the rest of the city reinforce social segregation, resist integration and create ‘no-go’ zones.". The pressure on healthcare services is more alarming. The report observes, “Immigrants using public health insurance strain Mumbai’s already overburdened healthcare system and leave locals with fewer resources." It further adds, “Inadequate waste management in overcrowded immigrant areas leads to pollution and health risks spreading across the city."

The TISS report is a part of a larger conversation. The solid data-crunching analyses the impact of illegal immigration on Mumbai and compels us to face the harsh realities the city faces. Recent attempts to address the issue of illegal immigration, such as the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), were met with a litany of acrimonious and vitriolic protests. These measures were portrayed as communal but are intended to tackle the elephant in the room: the need for a more robust and transparent immigration system.

But this doesn’t mean India should ignore the needy or renege on its human rights commitments. The approach to immigration should be based on a strong legal framework that balances empathy with practicality. Emboldening border security, streamlining the deportation process of illegal immigrants, and dismantling human trafficking networks are essential steps. At the same time, India ought to engage with its neighbours, particularly Bangladesh and Myanmar, to escalate the issue of illegal immigration.

In conclusion, the debate on illegal immigration in India is not about abdicating the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ but about reinterpreting it for the 21^st century. This requires an honest and nuanced conversation that goes beyond rhetoric and political posturing.