Haryana Youths’ American Dream Shattered as US Authorities Deport Them
Driven by aspirations of a brighter future and the hope of supporting their families, several young men from Haryana’s Kurukshetra district spent exorbitant amounts of money to hire agents who promised to help them settle in the United States. However, their dreams quickly turned into a harrowing ordeal as they navigated perilous routes, endured exploitation, and faced deportation after being detained by US authorities.
A Grueling Journey Turns into a Nightmare
Robin Handa, a 27-year-old from Ismailabad village in Kurukshetra, set out on July 18 last year to chase his American Dream. Recalling his son’s ordeal, his father, Manjit Singh, shared the grim details of the journey. Robin traveled through Guyana, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemala, crossed a sea, and trekked through dense jungles—all while enduring days of hunger.
By the time Robin reached the Mexico-US border, he had already paid a staggering ₹45 lakh to various agents. According to his father, Robin’s phone was confiscated, and he was handed over to an “immigration mafia” in Mexico, who tortured him and extorted an additional ₹20 lakh.
Manjit Singh, a distraught father of two, lamented that while his elder son had moved to Australia for studies, his younger son was adamant about settling in the US. Now burdened by debt and shattered dreams, Singh blames the travel agent for deceiving the family with false assurances of a secure future in America.
Deportation Brings Families to the Brink
Robin Handa was among 104 Indian nationals deported by US authorities as part of a crackdown initiated under the Donald Trump administration. The group, transported on a US military C-17 Globemaster aircraft, landed at Amritsar airport on Wednesday.
The deportees hailed from various states: 33 each from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three from Maharashtra, three from Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. Of the 33 deportees from Haryana, 14 were from Kurukshetra district, confirmed Varun Singla, Superintendent of Police, Kurukshetra.
Debt and Despair in Kurukshetra
One of the deportees, 18-year-old Khushpreet Singh from Chammukalan village, had spent ₹40 lakh on his journey to the US. His father, Jaswant Singh, had mortgaged their farmland to arrange the funds.
“Around 15 days ago, Khushpreet called us to say he had reached the US border and was about to cross,” Jaswant Singh shared. However, after that, the family lost contact with him. They only learned of his deportation when he arrived at Amritsar onboard the US military aircraft.
Although relieved to see Khushpreet return safely, the family now faces crushing debt and an uncertain future.
Voices of Caution from Returnees
A 28-year-old deportee from Ambala, who requested anonymity, recounted the hardships he faced while attempting to reach the US. His family had sold a portion of their agricultural land to arrange ₹40 lakh for the journey.
He described how the agent led him through treacherous “dunki routes,” which involved crossing multiple rivers and dense forests to reach the US border. However, he was apprehended by US authorities 15 days before his deportation.
Reflecting on his experience, the young man strongly advised others against attempting to migrate illegally, emphasizing the severe risks and financial ruin involved.
The Larger Picture
This incident highlights the growing desperation among Indian youth to seek better opportunities abroad, often through illegal channels. The promise of a better life remains elusive for many, as such journeys frequently end in exploitation, financial loss, and heartbreak.
As these families grapple with debt and disappointment, authorities are being urged to crack down on fraudulent agents and raise awareness about the dangers of illegal immigration.