Illegal migration refers to the migration of people across national borders in a way that violates the immigration laws of the destination country. India has been witnessing immigration since independence. People who have faced religious and political persecution, economic and social discrimination, cultural repression, and curbs on personal freedom have made India their home. Of all kinds of migration, illegal migration has become the most volatile and contentious issue in Indian polity today because of the socio-political and economical conflicts it has brought in its wake. The cross-border flow of people creates a more serious foreign policy crisis when the host country views the influx of people into its territory as a result of “coercively engineered migration” perpetrated by the sending state. India needs to fence its borders, especially on its eastern side. Border posts must be established and the professionalism of the border security forces needs to be upgraded. Work permits can be issued to those from neighboring countries wanting to work in India. Bilateral arrangements with neighboring countries need to work out so that illegal immigration is checked from both sides of the international border.