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Illegal Immigration Impacting Delhi’s Economy, JNU Study Finds

The 114-page report, titled Illegal Immigrants to Delhi: Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences, outlines how the presence of undocumented migrants has not only reshaped the city's demographics but has also strained resources, disrupted the local economy, and contributed to the expansion of criminal networks.

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Illegal Immigration Impacting Delhi’s Economy, JNU Study Finds

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, a report by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on illegal immigration in the capital has highlighted the impact of migration from Bangladesh and Myanmar on the socio-political and economic landscape of Delhi-NCR. The report claims that this influx has led to a “notable increase of Muslim population,” altering the region’s demographic composition.

The 114-page report, titled Illegal Immigrants to Delhi: Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences, outlines how the presence of undocumented migrants has not only reshaped the city’s demographics but has also strained resources, disrupted the local economy, and contributed to the expansion of criminal networks.

Additionally, the report raises concerns about political support provided to illegal immigrants, particularly in the form of facilitating voter registrations, which it warns could compromise electoral integrity and lead to manipulation.

The study also highlights the public health risks posed by illegal immigration, pointing out that overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions in migrant settlements increase the spread of infectious diseases. It further states, “The presence of undocumented migrants complicates disaster response and crisis management, as these populations are often excluded from official relief efforts during emergencies.”

One of the key challenges outlined in the report is the porous India-Bangladesh border, which it claims remains a major factor in the continuing influx of migrants due to inadequate border security measures. The report also criticizes the absence of a clear immigration policy in India, stating that this gap hinders effective solutions to address illegal migration.

Furthermore, it acknowledges that migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar often face social discrimination and hostility, which complicates their integration into Delhi’s local communities and exacerbates social tensions. The report also discusses the geopolitical ramifications of illegal immigration, emphasizing that it has implications for India’s relations with neighboring countries. “Collaborative efforts are needed to address cross-border migration issues,” it states.

In terms of infrastructure and environmental concerns, the report mentions that increased population density due to migration has placed pressure on Delhi’s public transportation system. It also notes that unregulated waste disposal in migrant settlements contributes to pollution and public health hazards.

The document further asserts that illegal immigration has facilitated the growth of criminal networks that exploit vulnerable migrants for activities such as smuggling and human trafficking. Additionally, it points out that deportation efforts are frequently delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles, lack of cooperation from migrants’ home countries, and the approach taken by Delhi’s National Capital Territory.

Another key concern raised is the absence of reliable data on migration trends and population statistics, which the report claims hampers effective policymaking and resource allocation.

Commenting on the findings, BJP MP Sambit Patra took aim at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging its involvement in the issue. “This report states that there has been a notable increase of Muslim population because of illegal migration from Bangladesh and Myanmar. There is a change in the demography of the city, it is said in the report…Every aspect including socio-political impact has been mentioned in this report…The report says that political patronage plays a crucial role in allowing a steady influx of undocumented Rohingyas and Bangladeshis…AAP has a crucial role in this. The report also talks about how these political parties are facilitating fake voter registration for the migrants,” he said.

Earlier, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar had shifted the responsibility to Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri regarding the presence of Rohingya immigrants in India. She argued that “if Rohingyas are present anywhere in India, it is Shah’s responsibility,” while also blaming Puri for their settlement in Delhi.