Jobs in the USA: Avoid Illegal Routes – Every 20 Minutes, an Indian Is Arrested at the Border

Working in the United States is a dream for many, but some people attempt to achieve it through illegal means. Those who try to enter the country unlawfully often end up being arrested at the border.

Illegal Entry Statistics
According to recent data released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), around 391,000 people attempted to enter the United States illegally in 2025. Most of these individuals were seeking employment opportunities in the country. They aimed to realize the “American Dream” but were apprehended at the border.

The data also reveals that 23,830 Indians were arrested while attempting illegal entry into the U.S. via the Mexico border between January and December 2025. This means that an Indian was arrested every 20 minutes. Most of these individuals used the so-called “Donkey Route” for illegal entry.

What is the Donkey Route?
The Donkey Route refers to illegal pathways used by migrants to enter the United States. The term “donkey” comes from the Punjabi phrase “Donki Marna,” meaning to jump from one place to another.

Migrants typically pay agents who first take them to countries where Indians can obtain a visa on arrival. From there, they travel through Latin American countries and eventually attempt to reach the U.S., often on foot or via dangerous roads. Routes commonly pass through Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, with some trying to enter through Canada. These paths are highly dangerous, and many lose their lives attempting the journey.

Legal Ways to Work in the USA
For those seeking employment in the U.S., legal routes depend on skill level:

• Skilled Workers: There is no shortage of jobs for skilled professionals. Most obtain employment through the H-1B visa, which allows them to work in the U.S. legally. Other options include L-1 and O-1 visas.
• Unskilled Workers: Unskilled workers can apply for the EB-3 visa, which requires securing a job with a U.S. company willing to sponsor them. This visa also provides a pathway to a green card, although the waiting period for Indian nationals can be long.

Compared to dangerous illegal routes like the Donkey Route, obtaining an EB-3 visa is a safer and more reliable way for unskilled workers to legally work in the United States.