Major crackdown on illegal Indian immigrants in US: Licenses of 40 travel agents revoked

In a big crackdown, the Amritsar district authorities of the Punjab government have canceled the licenses of 40 travel agents who have been charged with illegal immigration. The move comes after the India Today TV investigation report in which travel agents were found taking big amounts of money from people to smuggle them into foreign countries using the infamous 'Donkey Route.' A few of the agents were connected with Indian nationals who were deported to the United States recently.

The action was taken by Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni after deporting more than 300 Indians from the U.S. and Panama last month. Besides that, 271 travel agents with expired licenses or who have been unsuccessful in the renewal process have been served notice by the Amritsar police. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been requested to carry out complete document verification at immigration consultancy centers in the district.

Stricter controls on travel agents

The authorities have directed all travel agencies to keep proper records and stop operating with incomplete documents. Those found operating without proper licenses will be dealt with sternly according to the law. In the meantime, the law enforcement authorities have boosted surveillance, with reports of a sting operation in place. In the past 48 hours, hundreds of police officers have been redeployed as part of the operation.

Sources say that the government is further planning to act against fake travel agents. Punjab has contributed 131 of the 345 deportees who arrived in India last week on the U.S. military plane. To avoid the illegal immigration rackets, the state government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by ADGP Praveen Sinha.

Punjab's NRI minister opens up

Punjab's NRI minister speaks up The government has enacted the Travel Professions Regulation Act to govern travel agencies, ticketing companies, and consultancy companies. Punjab's NRI Minister, Kuldeep Dhaliwal, also stated that during February 5 to February 23, 17 FIRs were filed against bogus agents. He assured that the government will not shy away from taking serious action.

Opposition's stand

Opposition's stance on the issue Congress MLA Bawa Henry acknowledged the importance of more opportunities abroad but stuck to creating a conducive environment at home. In his view, "While migration is usually caused by the pursuit of better prospects, we have to work towards generating employment and education opportunities at home to prevent exploitation."