Illegal Transborder Migration and threat to National Security

Introduction

Illegal migration is the migration of people across the borders in a way that violates the immigration laws of the destination countries, and these people do not carry valid papers to migrate; hence they are called illegal migrants. India shares more than 1500 KM land borders with seven countries in the Indian subcontinent. 

• India’s national security faces a serious threat from Illegal migration that happens across the borders of China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. 
• Since the independence of India, millions of migrants have entered India as illegal immigrants from countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, etc. 
• This migration was caused due to religious persecution, socio-economic conditions, political violence etc. 

Illegal migration in India has been a serious topic of discussion among policymakers and national security experts. Some threats are:

• Communal violence: Illegal migration from Bangladesh resulted in communal violence in Assam. For example, bloody communal violence in Kokrajhar is an example. Communal violence may be a threat to national security. 
• Disturbance to law and order: The rule of law and integrity of the country come in danger as illegal migrants engage in illegal and anti-national activities. Illegal activities such as fraudulent identity cards, documents etc., are again serious challenges to prove illegal immigrants. 
• Rise of militancy: Persistent attacks against Muslim communities as illegal migrants have given way to radicalisation among certain sections of the Muslim community in Assam.
• Changing demographics: Illegal migrants are the main reason behind changing demographics in Various north-eastern states. This changing demographic is the main reason behind the rising tension between indigenous communities and migrants. 
• Arms smuggling: illegal migration creates ways to smuggle arms into the country. This illegal smuggling is supposed to give support to militants and other extremist groups. For example, illegal migration and arms smuggling on the Myanmar border and in J&K. 
• Stress on law and order: In India, most illegal migrants settle within big and metro cities. Rising crimes, law, and order issues, illegal occupations like prostitution, etc. 

A comprehensive national policy for effective border management is the need of the hour.  This policy should be made by the national security experts, and it should bring solutions to every border region of the country. Need for cooperation from countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, etc., for the prohibition of illegal migration.