Caught between borders, a woman's plight underscores the complex and often harsh reality faced by those deemed "illegal" in India and, consequently, unwelcome in Bangladesh. This situation, impacting countless individuals, reveals a human crisis fueled by tightening immigration policies and accusations of forced expulsion.

In recent months, India has intensified its efforts to identify and deport individuals it considers to be illegal immigrants, particularly targeting ethnic Bengali Muslims. This drive gained momentum after a terror attack in April 2025, leading to increased anti-Muslim sentiments and providing an excuse, according to some, for the government to expel vulnerable groups. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued directives to states to "detect, identify, and deport illegal immigrants," further accelerating the crackdown.

However, these actions have been met with strong criticism. Human Rights Watch reported that hundreds of ethnic Bengali Muslims have been unlawfully expelled to Bangladesh without due process, many of whom are Indian citizens. Activists have also raised concerns about the arbitrary detention and harassment of undocumented migrants and workers from tribal communities.

The situation is further complicated by allegations that India is forcibly pushing migrants into Bangladesh, a practice described as a "forced expulsion" rather than a legitimate "pushback" of individuals attempting to cross the border. Bangladesh has accused India of illegally pushing over a thousand people into their country. The Border Security Force (BSF) has been accused of using excessive force, including firing rubber bullets and live ammunition, to force people across the border. The BSF has denied these allegations.

Adding to the complexity, government data indicates a surge in undocumented migrants attempting to leave India voluntarily through the eastern border, with numbers more than tripling compared to the previous year. This increase is attributed to political changes in Bangladesh.

Those caught in this crossfire often find themselves in a precarious situation, lacking legal documentation and facing hostility in both countries. Some individuals have shared harrowing accounts of being stranded in "no man's land" between borders, without food, water, or shelter. Many are struggling to navigate complex legal processes to prove their citizenship, with cases often dragging on for years.

The Indian government reported that 723 illegal infiltrators were apprehended on the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal until July of this year. This is a decrease compared to 1,694 in 2024 and 1,547 in 2023.

The plight of these "nowhere" people highlights the urgent need for a more humane and rights-based approach to immigration. Concerns remain about due process, domestic guarantees, and international human rights standards.