From wedding bells to deportation blues: Punjab woman's heartbreak in US crackdown

Punjab: A Punjabi woman's aspirations to marry her fiancé in the U.S. are crushed by deportation, exposing the vulnerabilities of those seeking a better life abroad

Sukhjeet Kaur, a 26-year-old from Verpal village in Punjab, had journeyed to the United States with dreams of marrying her fiancé, only to have those dreams abruptly shattered. She was among the 104 Indians deported back to Amritsar on Wednesday as part of the US government's crackdown on illegal immigration. Sukhjeet's father resides in Italy, while her mother and brother remain in Punjab. Her family, like many others, is reeling from the shock and financial strain of her failed attempt to build a life in America. A relative revealed that Sukhjeet fell prey to an agent who facilitated her illegal entry into the U.S., ultimately leading to her deportation.

A Pricey Pursuit of the American Dream

Families face financial devastation after investing life savings in perilous journeys to the USThe deportees, largely from Punjab, had spent between ₹30 lakh and ₹50 lakh in their attempt to reach the US through illegal routes. Many hadn't even applied for asylum before being detained. Some had traveled via the dangerous "donkey route," which involves traversing multiple countries. Daler Singh from Salempur village, had spent ₹30 lakh to reach the US a month ago. Swarn Singh, a farmer, spent approximately ₹60 lakh, including expenses in Dubai, to send his son Akashdeep to the U.S.

Government Assistance and a Glimmer of Hope

The Punjab government pledges support for the returnees, offering potential loan waivers. Punjab's NRI Affairs Minister, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, has assured support for the deportees, including potential loan waivers to alleviate the financial burden on affected families. Dhaliwal plans to discuss the matter with banks and propose a moratorium on interest payments, recognizing the immediate need for the returnees to resettle and find employment