Migration covers a broad range of population movements across state boundaries for the purposes of temporary or permanent settlement. A mix of economic, political socio-cultural, and psychological factors drives migration processes. International laws and norms do not take into account the full range of migrant and refugee experiences. For example, displacement because of massive development projects and climate change do not fil into existing legal categories.
Migration to Assam

Contributory factors of illegal migration

1. Increasing pressure on land and mounting unemployment in Bangladesh due to uncontrolled steep rise in population. Large segments of population in Bangladesh uprooted by severe floods and cyclones.
2. The large scale migration from Bangladesh to India has been possible mainly due to the porous India-Bangladesh border of 4,096 kms, the fencing of which has not been completed so far.
3. Better economic opportunities across the border.

Security challenges

• Assam agitation: The failure of government to respond the issue of illegal migration led to the agitation by the Assamese and Assam accord was the result of this agitation.
• Illegal voters: Most of the Bangladeshi immigrants have got their names enlisted in the voting list illegally, thereby claiming themselves as citizens of the state. The immigrant’s population acts as a vote bank for the political parties in Assam. The recent initiative NRC (National Register of Citizens) is meant for the detection of illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
• Issue of terrorism: Pakistan’s ISI has been active in Bangladesh supporting militant movements in Assam. It is alleged that among the illegal migrants there are also militants, who enter into Assam to carry out the terrorist activities.

Options for India

• Diplomatic Effort: India has to make diplomatic effort to get Bangladesh to cooperate as illegal migration cannot be solved unless sending country cooperates. Sharing of digital database of its citizens will make it easier.
• Coercive Diplomacy: The action of security forces should clearly convey to the illegal migrants that they would face greater danger if they try to cross the border.                                                                                                                                                                                    
• Better Border Management: Fencing, construction of border roads and proper management of border will make a difference
• Unique Identification Number (UID) scheme: Compilation of data is likely to reduce the comfort level of fresh illegal migrants.
• Bar from Voting rights: Bangladeshi who are already in could be allowed to work but should not be allowed to vote and this will diminish their ability to influence government decisions by being a political force