Indian Immigrants Share Traumatic Experiences of Deportation from U.S.

Indian deportees arriving in Amritsar recounted harrowing experiences of being shackled during their flight after being captured by U.S. Border Patrol. The group, comprising 104 individuals from various states, faced perilous journeys through Latin America, including witnessing deaths. The accounts reveal the dangers and challenges faced by those seeking a better life in the United States under stringent immigration policies.

In a harrowing recount of deportation, Harwinder Singh from Hoshiarpur described the inhumane treatment faced by immigrants en route to the United States. Deportees arriving in Amritsar on a U.S. military flight on Wednesday reported being shackled throughout the journey, with restraints only removed upon arrival. Jaspal Singh from Gurdaspur stated that he was captured by U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the border on January 24, highlighting the physical restraints imposed on him and others during the flight.

A total of 104 undocumented immigrants were deported, marking the first group returned under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The deportees originated from various states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, with significant representation of women and minors. Authorities transported those from Punjab back to their native areas via police vehicles after their arrival at the Amritsar airport.

Harwinder Singh recounted his traumatic journey to the U.S., which commenced in August of last year and involved traversing several Latin American countries after departing through Qatar. His perilous travel included treacherous conditions where he witnessed death in the Panama jungle and narrowly escaped a capsizing boat at sea.

Another deportee described the difficult ‘donkey route’ taken to reach the U.S., where he faced the theft of personal belongings during the journey. He recounted a grueling series of treks and boat rides, stating that if an individual fell during dangerous passages, survival was unlikely. His travel cost amounted to ₹42 lakh, highlighting the financial sacrifices made by those seeking a better life in the U.S.

The increasing flow of migrants from India to the United States has been a growing concern, particularly amid stringent immigration policies. The U.S., under the Trump administration, intensified deportations of undocumented immigrants, often leading to harsh treatment during transportation back to their home countries. Many migrants undertake perilous journeys through multiple countries, facing significant risks and hardships for the opportunity to reach America, sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes during their travels. This incident of deportation of 104 individuals serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some individuals will go for a chance at a new life, as well as the brutal realities they face in the process.

This article highlights the grim realities faced by Indian immigrants in the United States, focusing on the recent deportation of 104 individuals who endured shackling during their flight back home. It underscores the life-threatening conditions and substantial financial costs associated with their journeys in pursuit of better opportunities. The accounts of suffering and loss illustrate the desperate situations many individuals confront while navigating the perilous routes to the U.S., raising awareness of the complexities surrounding immigration today.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com