Indian writer, lawyer, and activist Banu Mushtaq wins the International Booker Prize for her short story collection Heart Lamp

This is the first book written in the Kannada language to receive this prestigious award.

The stories of Heart Lamp have been translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi.

The book Heart Lamp, which contains 12 short stories written by Mushtaq between 1990 and 2023, poignantly portrays the struggles faced by Muslim women in South India.

The award received by Mushtaq is highly significant because it not only highlights her work but also reflects the rich regional literary traditions of India.

Previously, in 2022, Geetanjali Shree's novel Tomb of Sand won this award. Tomb of Sand was translated from Hindi to English by Daisy Rockwell.

Mushtaq's literature offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by women, born out of religious orthodoxy and a patriarchal society.

The female characters in Heart Lamp reflect the spirit of resistance and rebellion.

Mushtaq has also been associated with the Bandaya Movement, which was aimed at addressing social and economic injustice through literature and activism.

However, her bold writings also made her a target of hate, especially after she expressed her support for women's right to pray in mosques. A fatwa was issued against her, and one person even attempted to stab her with a knife. Despite these incidents, Mushtaq remained undeterred and continued to write with honesty and courage.

Mushtaq has received several prestigious local and national awards, including the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and the Dana Chintamani Attimabbe Award.

In 2024, an English translation compilation titled Haseena and Other Stories, which included five of Mushtaq’s short story collections published between 1990 and 2012, also won the prestigious PEN Translation Prize.

The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Indian travel agencies and agents, accusing them of promoting illegal immigration.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department issued a press release detailing these restrictions. According to the release, "The Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on the owners and senior executives of travel agencies based in India, who are knowingly facilitating illegal immigration into the United States."

However, the release did not explain how these travel agents have made illegal migration easier.

The statement emphasized that such measures against travel agencies will continue as part of efforts to dismantle foreign trafficking networks.

The State Department clarified that these actions are being taken under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has warned Indian citizens traveling to the U.S. not to overstay their permitted duration. “Those who do so may face deportation and a permanent ban on re-entry into the country,” the statement read.

The core objective is to control illegal immigration, prevent overstays, and maintain a complete record of all non-U.S. nationals staying in the country for more than 30 days.

Donald Trump, who took office as President in January this year, had promised a tough stance on illegal immigration during his election campaign.

Once in power, Trump began acting on his promise by deporting citizens of various countries labeled as illegal immigrants.

The current decision of the Trump administration is being seen as part of a broader U.S. policy on illegal immigration.

Paras Lakhia, Treasurer of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), expressed concern over Trump’s decision, calling it uncertain and unclear.

He stated, "Most Indians have relatives, friends, and family members living in the U.S., making it one of the top destinations for Indian travelers. Such restrictions, if not clearly defined, can create confusion and affect travelers significantly."

Two weeks after President Trump’s swearing-in, a plane carrying 104 'illegal Indian immigrants' landed in Amritsar. The event sparked significant political controversy in India, with reports stating that the individuals were shackled during the journey.

According to Indian government data, 333 Indian nationals were deported from the U.S. in February aboard three military aircraft.

As per the U.S. Embassy in India, more than 2 million Indians traveled to the U.S. in the first 11 months of 2024—an increase of 26% compared to 2023.

However, these individuals traveled on non-immigrant visas for purposes such as tourism, business, and education—not for permanent residency.

In 2024, over 331,000 Indian students went to study in the U.S.—the highest number since 2008–09.

How Many Illegal Indians Are There in the U.S.?

According to Pew Research Center, around 725,000 Indian nationals were living illegally in the United States as of 2022. This is the third-largest group after nationals of Mexico and El Salvador.

However, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimated the number to be 375,000, noting that India ranks highest in Asia in this regard.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) presents yet another figure, reporting around 220,000 illegal Indian immigrants in 2022.

How Many Indians Travel to the U.S. Annually via Travel Agencies?

Data shows that more than 2 million Indians traveled to the U.S. in 2024.

According to statistics published on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, 96,917 illegal Indian immigrants were apprehended by American authorities in 2023. This number was 63,927 in 2022 and 30,662 in 2021.

Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking between India and the USA: Issues, Measures Taken, and India’s Response

Illegal immigration and human trafficking have emerged as growing challenges in India–USA relations. A large number of Indian citizens seek better living conditions, education, and employment in the United States. Many attempt to enter the US through illegal means, leading to both policy and humanitarian concerns for both countries.

🔷 Key Issues in Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking

1. Illegal Entry of Indian Citizens
   • A significant number of Indians, particularly from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Telangana, attempt to enter the US via Central America (e.g., Mexico).
   • They travel through dangerous routes known as the "Donkey Route", crossing multiple national borders.
2. Human Trafficking
   • Some agents charge large sums to illegally transport people to the US under risky and exploitative conditions.
   • Women and children are often trafficked for forced labor or sexual exploitation.
3. Arrests and Deaths at the Border
   • Arrests of Indian nationals at the US-Mexico border increased during 2023–24.
   • Many Indian migrants have gone missing or died en route.

🔷 Steps Taken by the USA

1. Strengthening Border Security
   • The US has increased security along its southern border (Mexico).
   • Illegal entrants are being arrested and deported.
2. Anti-Smuggling and Anti-Trafficking Campaigns
   • Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have intensified action against trafficking rackets.
   • Networks involving India and other countries are being identified and dismantled.
3. Diplomatic Engagement
   • The US is holding policy-level talks with India to prevent illegal migration.
   • Cooperation in investigating fake visas and passports has been enhanced.

🔷 India’s Response

1. Public Awareness Campaigns
   • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has warned citizens against falling prey to illegal agents.
   • Support is being provided through the “MADAD” portal and helplines for Indians stranded abroad.
2. Investigation and Arrests
   • The CBI and state police are taking strict action against trafficking agents.
   • Masterminds of the “Donkey Route” have been arrested in states like Gujarat and Punjab.
3. International Cooperation
   • India has accelerated action under the Joint Working Group on Consular Issues in collaboration with the US and other countries.

🔷 Analytical Perspective

🔷 Conclusion

Illegal immigration and human trafficking between India and the US is a complex socio-economic and human rights issue. Strengthening borders alone is not a sufficient solution. It requires bilateral cooperation, creation of domestic opportunities, and crackdown on trafficking networks.

Mains Answer Writing Guidelines

Question:
“Discuss the issue of illegal immigration and human trafficking between India and the United States. Analyze the efforts taken by both countries and their mutual cooperation.”

Answer Framework:
India and the United States are witnessing a deepening strategic partnership, but socio-economic issues such as illegal immigration and human trafficking present new challenges.

Problem Overview:

• Every year, hundreds of Indian citizens—mainly from Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana—attempt to reach the US illegally via the Donkey Route.
• These migrants often travel through Mexico and Central America and fall victim to trafficking rackets.
• Many go missing or die during the journey.

Measures Taken by the USA:

1. Tighter Border Security – Enhanced security at the Mexico border.
2. Anti-Trafficking Operations – DHS and ICE cracking down on trafficking networks.
3. Diplomatic Cooperation – Joint discussions with India on visa fraud and illegal immigration.

India’s Response:

1. Awareness Campaigns – Through MEA's MADAD Portal, and alerts against fake agents.
2. Criminal Investigations – CBI, NIA, and state police actions against Donkey Route networks.
3. Bilateral Cooperation – Consular dialogues and joint working groups with the US.

Present Challenges:

• Unemployment and rural distress drive youth toward illegal migration.
• Trafficking networks operate across multiple countries.
• Numerous cases of human rights violations and humanitarian crises.

Suggested Solutions:

• Promoting local employment, skill development, and education in India.
• International intelligence sharing to target trafficking networks.
• Easier and legal migration procedures by the US for Indian workers.
• Establishment of Joint Task Forces and Migrant Protection Protocols.

Conclusion:

Illegal immigration and human trafficking are not just law-and-order issues but multi-dimensional socio-economic problems. India and the US must collaboratively curb trafficking and promote safe, legal, and dignified migration.

MCQs Based on the Topic (for Prelims Practice)

1. List Type Question

With reference to the India–US Illegal Immigration Issue, consider the following statements:

1. According to Pew Research Center, around 725,000 Indians live illegally in the US.
2. Most illegal Indian migrants enter via the Donkey Route through Europe.

Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
🟩 Answer: (a) Only 1

2. Simple Type Question

Which Indian agency is actively cracking down on human traffickers using the Donkey Route?
(a) Ministry of External Affairs
(b) CBI and State Police
(c) Indian Embassies
(d) NITI Aayog
🟩 Answer: (b) CBI and State Police

3. Match the Following

Select the correct answer:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
(c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
(d) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
🟩 Answer: (a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

4. Assertion–Reason Type

Assertion (A): The US has imposed visa restrictions on some Indian travel agencies.
Reason (R): These agencies were knowingly promoting illegal immigration.

Choose the correct option:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
🟩 Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

5. Simple Type (Data-Based)

Approximately how many Indian citizens traveled to the US in 2024?
(a) 1 million
(b) 1.5 million
(c) 2 million
(d) 2.5 million
🟩 Answer: (c) 2 million

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