Nagpur Man’s Harrowing Journey: From Dreaming of Canada to U.S. Deportation
Harpreet Singh Laliya, a Nagpur resident, was deported from the U.S. after an unsuccessful immigration attempt, incurring debts of ₹50 lakh. His journey, intended for Canada, took a dangerous turn as he was trapped by the Mexican mafia. Subsequently, he and other deportees returned to India handcuffed, reflecting the dire repercussions of illegal immigration.
Harpreet Singh Laliya, a resident of Nagpur, has shared his harrowing experience of being one of the 104 Indians deported from the United States due to unauthorized immigration attempts. Laliya, who intended to travel to Canada, instead faced a perilous journey to the U.S. after an agent’s error, thereby losing ₹50 lakh and returning home in chains. His ordeal involved a grueling trek and being held captive by the Mexican mafia for 10 days, underscoring the dangers many face seeking opportunities abroad.
Laliya described his journey, highlighting that it began on December 5, 2024, with a flight from New Delhi. Initially planning to reach Canada via Abu Dhabi, he was denied boarding and later redirected through Egypt and Spain. He spent time in several Central American countries before arriving at the U.S. border, only to be apprehended and subsequently deported due to illegal immigration.
The financial burden of his endeavor was substantial; he incurred debts exceeding ₹49 lakh, sourced from loans and family assistance. His dream of working in Canada turned into a nightmare, primarily attributed to a mistake by his agent. Eventually, Laliya was one of many apprehended, transported in restraints to India from facilities operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On returning to India, a U.S. C-17 military aircraft landed at Amritsar airport carrying Laliya and other deportees, with similar cases from several states across India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that specific procedures are in place for deportations, indicating that the use of restraints is standard practice, although exceptions are made for vulnerable groups such as women and children.
The plight of Harpreet Singh Laliya serves as a distressing reminder of the risks associated with illegal immigration, revealing the severe consequences that can arise from misguided attempts to seek a better life abroad.
Illegal immigration has become a significant issue globally, affecting many individuals who seek better opportunities in foreign countries. India has been a source country for many who attempt to migrate illegally, often through intricate and risky routes. The narrative of Harpreet Singh Laliya reflects the experiences of numerous individuals who face extortion, hazards, and legal challenges due to reliance on unauthorized immigration agents. The involvement of the mafia further complicates these dangerous journeys, highlighting the grim reality many immigrants endure.
The case of Harpreet Singh Laliya epitomizes the extreme risks individuals undertake in pursuit of opportunities abroad. Despite spending considerable resources, the outcome was a humiliating return, showing that illegal immigration often leads to dire consequences, including financial ruin and personal safety threats. The deportation process administered by U.S. authorities, coupled with the challenges faced by those seeking to enter foreign territories illegally, stresses the importance of seeking lawful and safe pathways for migration.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
