A military plane landed at Amritsar airport on Saturday night, bringing back 116 Indian migrants deported from the United States. Among them was Daljit Singh, who left his home in Punjab last year seeking a better life. Instead, he returned in handcuffs and ankle chains.
Daljit shared his story, emphasizing the grim reality many face when attempting illegal migration. He stated, “Our legs were chained, and our hands were cuffed. Three women and three children were on board without restraints.” Sadly, he is not alone in this experience. Many are tricked by dishonest travel agents and face perilous journeys, only to be sent back home.
Of those deported, over 60 were from Punjab, with others from Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Daljit revealed that he was lured by an agent in 2022, who promised a legal path to the US for Rs 65 lakh. To pay for this, he sold an acre of farmland. His journey began in November 2022, first taking him to Dubai. After almost 18 months, he returned to India, then was sent to South Africa for four and a half months. Finally, he found himself traversing through Brazil. The journey through dense forests and rivers was filled with hardship. He had to survive on little food before reaching Mexico, where his agent pressured his wife to sign over their land. Once he crossed into the US, he was quickly detained by border patrol, receiving very little sustenance during his time there.
Sourav, a 20-year-old also from Punjab, shared a similar tale. His family spent nearly Rs 46 lakh, borrowing money and selling land to fund his migration attempt. “We were kept in a detention camp for 18 days,” he explained. Just before being deported, they were told they would move to another location, only to realize they were being sent back to India.
Harjit Singh, another deportee, and his family spent Rs 90 lakh believing they would travel legally. When he was caught crossing the border, he was detained for 18 days before being sent back on February 13.
Families are devastated by the financial and emotional toll of these experiences. Sahil Preet Singh’s parents sold property and gold to finance his travel for Rs 40-45 lakh, only to fall victim to a deceitful agent. His mother demanded justice, asking the Punjab government for assistance and accountability for the agent.
Jaswinder Singh, from Moga, echoed the sentiments of many, speaking about the money and dreams lost due to fraudulent migration schemes. “We worked hard for our savings, and now they’re gone,” he lamented.
The stories of these deportees highlight the dangers of illegal migration and the heartbreaking goodbyes families face as they chase dreams that often lead to despair.
Check out this related article: Shashi Tharoor Calls for Indian Protests Against Handcuffed Deportees on Flights from the US
Source linkUS deportation,travel agent fraud,Punjab land sale,Indian migrants,illegal migration
