The Perils Of Illegal Migration: Why 104 Indians Were Sent Back From The US?

The plight of Indian migrants who try to sneak into the United States illegally once again gains prominence after 104 Indians were deported through a C-17 military aircraft by the US government. These individuals, who paid considerable sums to fly-by-night travel agents, are picked up in the US and brought back to India against their will. In response, the Punjab Police formed a four-member Special Investigation Team to probe networks that traffic in illegal migration and human trafficking, feeding off desperate souls who want a better life abroad.

The article discusses their experience, the threats that they risked, and the Indian and American governments’ hard-handed approach to preventing illegal immigration.

The Lure of the American Dream

Many Indians, particularly those from Punjab and Haryana, have visions of America as an ‘Aladdin’s cave’, an easy and ready opportunity to make money and better their life prospects for themselves and their loved ones. On the other hand, legal immigration processes are cumbersome, expensive, and sometimes unsure. As a result, many individuals turn to illegal migration routes, relying on travel agents who promise to smuggle them into the US in exchange for exorbitant fees ranging from ₹40-50 lakh.

Stories of Struggle and Deception

Several deported deportees have released horrific accounts of their journeys, explaining the dangerous, inhumane conditions they faced and went through to try to reach the US undocumented. Here is a summary of some of the stories:

Jagtar Singh’s Ordeal

Bhateri village of Punjab resident Jagtar Singh has hopes to unite with his brother, who lawfully resides in the US. He paid a travel agent an exorbitant amount to arrange his illegal entry. His sojourn started on January 11, when he boarded a flight from Delhi to Malta. From there, he was brought to Spain and Mexico via the notorious donkey route. On January 24, when Singh finally reached the US, he was immediately caught by the US Border Patrol.

“My dream of building a better life has been shattered, and my life has been ruined,” he lamented. Singh spent 11 days in a detention facility before being deported back to India.

Robin Handa’s Harrowing Journey

Robin Handa, a 27-year-old computer engineer from Kurukshetra, Haryana, also fell victim to travel agents who promised him a quick and seamless entry into the US. The family paid ₹43 lakh, assuming he would reach his place within a month. In reality, it was way more distant from what Handa thought. At times, he was traversed through multiple countries without proper food or water.

They assured me I would reach the US within a month, which turned out to be a lie,” he recalls. Upon crossing into the US, he was immediately detained and later deported along with 104 other illegal migrants. Among the deported individuals, 33 were from Haryana and 30 from Punjab.

Harwinder’s Grueling Experience

Harwinder, from Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, paid ₹42 lakh to a travel agent who assured him of a “smooth passage” into the US. Instead, he was subjected to one of the most gruelling and perilous journeys imaginable. His travel route took him from Brazil to Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama, where he was forced to pay the remaining balance to his agent in India.

“I was taken to Brazil, and from there, I was forced to journey through Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. In Panama, I had to pay the remaining amount to the travel agent,” Harwinder said.

The Infamous ‘Donkey Route’

The term ‘donkey route’ is a recognized route that crosses several borders, dense forests, mountains, and even oceans. The journey is dangerous in the sense that the migrants are subjected to unpredictable lousy weather, gangs of criminals, and other exploitation from the smuggling corporations.

Risks faced by migrants using the ‘donkey route’:

• Harsh travel conditions: Migrants often endure extreme weather, starvation, and exhaustion.
• Exploitation by smugglers: Many are extorted for more money along the way.
• Detention and deportation: US border authorities are increasingly cracking down on illegal migration.

Crackdown on Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration

As more Indians try to gain illegal entry into the US, law enforcement in India and the United States is becoming increasingly vigilant to curb this evil of human trafficking and illegal migration.

Punjab and Haryana Police Actions

Punjab and Haryana police have begun cracking down on travel agents involved in human smuggling. Several cases have been registered against agents who defrauded families of deported migrants.

• Amritsar Rural police booked Satnam Singh, a travel agent, for defrauding a migrant of ₹60 lakh.
• Haryana police registered cases against three travel agents for fraud and criminal breach of trust.

Punjab Police has a Special Investigation Team responsible for tracking networks of human trafficking operating within the state and bringing them down to their knees.

Indian Government’s Response

The Indian government has raised complaints regarding the inhumane treatment of deported migrants and has carried out diplomatic discussions with US authorities to ensure the fair and humane treatment of deportees. In this regard, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, “India is proactively engaging with the US government to ensure that deported individuals are not mistreated.

US Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

With the increasing number of Indians trying to cross the US border illegally, authorities in India and the US are tightening their vigilance against human trafficking and illegal migration.

US immigration policies affecting Indian migrants:

• Stricter border surveillance: More patrols and drones monitoring illegal crossings.
• Immediate detention for illicit migrants: Most are put through accelerated removal without trial.
• Crackdown on visa fraud: It has intensified crackdowns on visa frauds, as well as human smugglers and their agents.

Conclusion

The tragic stories of these deported Indians bring out the dangers of illegal migration and exploitation by human traffickers. Many have been enticed by the American dream to risk their lives and finances and end up getting arrested, deported, and financially ruined.

To address this deepening crisis, more vigorous law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and better employment opportunities in India are necessary. Indian and US governments should engage in a process that keeps legal avenues to the States open but increases the crackdown on the illegal networks riding on the misery of people desperate for a better future.

Though the SIT of Punjab Police and actions by the US government cracking down on illegal immigration are in the right direction, there is more scope for securing the hands of individuals from falling into fraudulent travel agencies. As global migration laws tighten, the best solution for aspiring migrants is to pursue legal avenues and avoid the life-threatening risks associated with illegal routes.

For many who were deported, the American dream has turned into an American nightmare-one to act as a cautionary message for all those considering a similar journey.