Why Indians Continue to Visit ‘Visa Temples’ Despite U.S. Deportations

Visa Temples in Ahmedabad: A Glimpse into Aspirations and Challenges

In Ahmedabad, India, a bustling temple known as Chamatkarik Shree Hanumanji Mandir has become a beacon for many hopeful visa applicants. Here, worshippers pay around $2 for a priest to bless their passports, seeking divine intervention for U.S. visa approvals. This practice reflects deep cultural nuances and the ongoing struggles many face when trying to migrate to the West.

Among the Indian diaspora, more than 5 million are reported to live in the United States, making it one of the largest immigrant groups. Despite this significant presence, the path to legal migration can be fraught with challenges.

Statistics reveal that around 725,000 Indian nationals currently reside in the U.S. without legal status, an issue intertwined with the aspirations of families back home. Many individuals like Maribehn, who sells clay pots on the roadside, have family members navigating perilous journeys in search of better opportunities. Her daughter is one of these individuals, having embarked on the risky endeavor to find work abroad.

The human cost of migration is evident. Many endure long, treacherous routes, sometimes arranged by traffickers. Recent tragedies include families encountering life-threatening situations during their journeys, highlighting the lengths some will go to pursue their dreams. As one village elder noted, “Even if it’s just a 1% chance of success, people will keep trying.”

Additionally, political factors complicate the migration landscape. Following President Trump’s administration, the U.S. has ramped up deportations, affecting numerous Indian nationals. Reportedly, more than 600 Indians have been deported since 2017, a significant worry for families whose futures depend on these visas.

Despite these hurdles, communities like Dingucha, a village in Gujarat, thrive on the support of relatives abroad, showcasing how remittances are vital for local infrastructure and development. Families leverage these connections, often influencing their decisions to migrate, even without legal assurance.

Chetna Rabari, a dairy farmer from Vaghpur, illustrates the emotional toll of migration’s uncertainties. Her husband embarked on a complex journey to the U.S., hoping for financial stability and a better life for their children. Now, Chetna manages the family obligations alone, navigating her responsibilities with resilience.

Through prayer at the visa temples, many express their hopes and anxieties, caught in the delicate balance between faith and reality. This phenomenon reflects broader social dynamics, allowing individuals to retain hope amidst governmental and structural challenges.

As they gather, worshippers at these temples demonstrate an unwavering belief that their prayers might one day be answered, amid an ever-changing global landscape of migration.

For further statistics and insights into migration trends, visit Pew Research Center.

Source link