Harrowing Accounts of Indian Migrants Deported After Illegal US Journey

A US C-17 military aircraft returned 104 deported Indian migrants to Amritsar, where they shared harrowing tales of their illegal journey to the US via the risky “donkey route.” Many reported theft, physical danger, and deception by travel agents who had promised safe passage. The deportees were questioned by authorities upon arrival to verify their backgrounds.

A United States C-17 military aircraft transporting 104 illegal immigrants from various Indian states arrived in Amritsar on Wednesday. Among the deported individuals, many reported harrowing experiences associated with their illegal journey to the US via the so-called “donkey route.” One deportee from Punjab recounted being initially taken to Italy before proceeding to Latin America.

The individual shared that their expensive clothing, valued at ₹30,000 to ₹35,000, was stolen during the journey. They endured grueling travel, including a 15-hour boat ride and walking for 40 to 45 kilometers over treacherous terrain. “We crossed 17-18 hills. If one slipped, then there would be no chance that he would survive… We have seen a lot. If anybody got injured, he was left to die. We saw dead bodies,” he conveyed.

Of the 104 deportees, 33 hailed from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, with additional individuals from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh. Another deportee, Jaspal Singh, expressed that he was deceived by a travel agent who promised a legitimate route to the US for ₹30 lakh. Singh described his experience of reaching Brazil by air last July, only to discover that he was forced to cross the border illegally.

After spending six months in Brazil, Singh attempted to enter the US but was apprehended by US Border Patrol agents. Upon their arrival in Amritsar, the deportees underwent questioning by multiple government agencies, including the Punjab Police and various intelligence units, to ascertain any potential criminal records.

The ongoing issue of illegal immigration presents severe risks and dire experiences for individuals seeking better opportunities abroad, often leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Many migrants are lured into dangerous and deceptive schemes by travel agents, leading them to undertake perilous journeys fraught with danger. The so-called “donkey route” refers to a notorious path of migration that has gained infamy due to the often dire circumstances faced by those who undertake it. The recent deportation of 104 immigrants highlights both the dangerous conditions under which these individuals travel and the challenges faced by governments in controlling illegal immigration.

The accounts from the deported individuals reveal the significant dangers associated with illegal immigration routes and the exploitation by unscrupulous agents. The experiences underline the pressing need for effective legal pathways for migration, as well as awareness among potential immigrants about the inherent risks of unregulated travel arrangements. As international migration continues to rise, addressing the motivations and challenges experienced by migrants becomes increasingly critical.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com