Deportation Stories: Indian Nationals Share Harrowing Journeys to the US
A recent aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed in Amritsar, with deportees sharing harrowing accounts of their illegal journey to the US. They faced numerous dangers, including theft of belongings and traversing treacherous terrain. Many were victims of fraudulent agents, resulting in significant financial loss.
A US C-17 military aircraft recently arrived in Amritsar, carrying 104 Indian nationals who had been deported after attempting to enter the United States illegally. One deportee, suggesting he was misled, described a harrowing journey through the so-called “donkey route,” which included traveling from Italy to Latin America. The individual recounted the theft of personal belongings worth around ₹30,000-35,000 during the process.
The migrant detailed the arduous trek, involving a perilous 15-hour boat ride and extensive walking across 40-45 kilometers over rugged terrain. “We crossed 17-18 hills. If one slipped, then there would be no chance that he would survive… We saw dead bodies,” he grimly stated. The demographics of the deportees included 33 from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, and a few from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh.
Another deportee, Jaspal Singh, claimed he was scammed by a travel agent who had falsely promised him an opportunity to enter the United States through legal channels. Instead of a legitimate visa, he spent around ₹30 lakh in vain, initially flying to Brazil in July last year. Following six months in Brazil, Singh attempted to cross the US border but was apprehended by immigration authorities.
Upon arrival, the deportees were subjected to questioning by various governmental agencies, including the Punjab Police and intelligence services, to ascertain their criminal backgrounds. The incidents highlighted the dangers faced by individuals seeking illegal routes to the US and the dire consequences of being deceived by unscrupulous agents.
The plight of Indian migrants seeking entry into the United States has gained attention due to rising incidents of illegal immigration. Many individuals are deceived by unscrupulous agencies, enticed by promises of legal routes that ultimately lead them into perilous situations. The use of dangerous routes, such as the ‘donkey route,’ underscores the desperate measures individuals are willing to take to pursue opportunities abroad, even at great personal risk.
The harrowing accounts of deported migrants shed light on the experiences endured during their attempts to reach the United States. These stories reveal the severe risks involved, including physical dangers and financial exploitation by fraudulent agents. As the number of individuals attempting such journeys continues to rise, it is crucial to address the root causes of illegal immigration and the systemic issues that facilitate these dangerous paths.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
