Dreams sold, hopes shattered: Indian migrants return from US in chains

Lured by dreams of a better life, hundreds of Indian migrants risked everything to enter the US illegally, only to face brutal detention and deportation. Families in Punjab and other states spent lakhs, selling land and pawning jewelry, believing in the false promises of travel agents. Now, these migrants return home in chains, their hopes shattered, their futures uncertain.

The cost of a dream

The dream of a prosperous future in America turned into a nightmare for hundreds of Indian migrants who were deported from the US after being caught trying to cross the border illegally. In the second batch of deportations, a US military aircraft landed in Amritsar carrying 114 migrants 65 from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, and others from states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

For families back home, the return of their loved ones was not a moment of joy but one of heartbreak and financial devastation. Many had sold their agricultural land, pawned gold, and taken hefty loans to fund their journey. But instead of the American dream, these migrants were met with detainment, chains, and an agonizing flight back to India.

We were handcuffed, legs chained

Sourav, a 20-year-old from Punjab’s Ferozepur district, left for the US on December 17, hoping for a fresh start. Instead, he was caught by US border patrol on January 27 and placed in a detention center for 18 days. "They took our mobile phones. We were told we were being shifted to another camp, but instead, they put us on a plane back to India," he recalled.

His family had spent Rs 45-46 lakh, selling two acres of farmland to pay agents who promised him safe passage. But the journey through Amsterdam, Panama, and Mexico ended in a detention cell.

Harjit Singh from Gurdaspur shared an even bigger financial blow. His family spent Rs 90 lakh to send him and his cousin to the US. Both were caught at the border and deported in shackles. "We were promised legal entry, but it was all a lie," said Harjit, his voice heavy with disappointment.

The 'Donkey route' trap

Mantaj Singh, 22, from Hoshiarpur, took the infamous "donkey route" a dangerous, illegal passage used by thousands to enter the US. Within moments of setting foot near the border, he was captured. Sahil Preet Singh’s parents from Kapurthala district pawned jewelry, sold land, and borrowed money, raising Rs 40 45 lakh to send their son abroad. His mother, Harvinder Kaur, now demands government action against the fraudulent agent who deceived them.

"We were duped. Our entire savings are gone. The Punjab government must punish these agents and help our son find work," she pleaded. Jaswinder Singh, from Moga's Dharamkot village, spent Rs 45 lakh, selling land to chase his American dream. Now, he and his family find themselves trapped in a web of deceit, victims of a system that preys on desperation.

The cycle of betrayal continues

This is not the first time such mass deportations have taken place. On February 5, another batch of migrants returned home with the same harrowing tales.

Despite repeated warnings, families continue to fall victim to human traffickers, desperate to escape economic struggles. The question remains: When will justice be served, and how many more dreams will be shattered before real action is taken?