The plight of the deportees from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and UP raises many questions. Is their life back home so terrible that they risk everything, even their lives, to escape to a distant land? Or, is it just the allure of the American dream? A report by Bijoy Patro
The allure of the American Dream continues to draw individuals from across the globe, including India, where a complex web of illegal immigration routes, known as “dunki routes,” has emerged. These clandestine pathways, often fraught with danger and exploitation, promise a backdoor entry into the United States, but frequently deliver only heartbreak and despair. Recent events, including deportations and the exposure of human smuggling operations, have brought the harsh realities of these journeys into sharp focus, forcing a closer examination of the motivations behind them and the devastating consequences for those who gamble everything for a chance at a new life.
The scale of the issue is significant. While deportation numbers fluctuate, the underlying problem of undocumented Indian migrants in the US persists. Data suggests thousands of individuals are subject to removal orders, with hundreds more in detention. The dramatic imagery of deportation flights, particularly those landing in Amritsar, Punjab, has ignited political debate, with accusations of targeted campaigns and counter-accusations of political opportunism. However, beyond the political rhetoric lies a deeper human tragedy.
The dunki route is not a single path, but rather a network of constantly evolving routes that snake across continents. These journeys often involve multiple countries, treacherous terrains, and unscrupulous agents who prey on the desperation of those seeking a better future. The arrest of Delhi travel agent Amit Arora, a repeat offender in human smuggling, exemplifies the criminal element profiting from this trade. Operating from seemingly legitimate offices, these agents weave tales of prosperity and opportunity, masking the true dangers and costs of the journey.
Maninder Pal Singh’s experience is a chilling testament to the lengths these agents will go to and the vulnerability of the migrants. Deported from the US, his passport revealed the telltale signs of a carefully constructed, yet ultimately failed, attempt at illegal entry. His 13-month odyssey, orchestrated by an agent, traversed multiple countries, costing him a fortune. The deliberate removal of passport pages, meant to conceal fake visa stamps, highlights the manipulation and deception inherent in the process. Maninder’s story is not unique. Social media platforms are now filled with accounts from deportees returning to Punjab, their narratives painting a grim picture of the hardships endured and the dreams shattered. Videos of perilous jungle crossings, shared by deportees like Gurvinder Singh, who now faces crippling debt after a failed attempt costing him a substantial sum, have gone viral, exposing the physical dangers of the journey.
Too distraught
The return of deportees to Punjab has sparked a political firestorm. The selection of Amritsar as a primary landing point for deportation flights has drawn criticism, with accusations of political targeting. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has alleged a “smear campaign” against the state, while the BJP accuses the AAP of playing politics. This political back-and-forth underscores the complex interplay of factors contributing to the problem, from economic disparities to political maneuvering. However, the human cost of these journeys transcends political divides.
Many deportees return home traumatized, burdened by debt, shame, and a sense of failure. The psychological impact of deportation, coupled with the financial ruin it often entails, can be devastating. Some, like 19-year-old Nishan Singh, are too distraught to even speak of their experiences. They carry the weight of broken dreams, the stigma of deportation, and the crushing burden of debt. Their stories are a stark reminder of the immense risks involved and the devastating consequences for those who are caught.
The dunki route is not just a physical journey; it’s an emotional and psychological one. Migrants leave behind everything familiar, driven by the hope of a better life. They endure hardship, exploitation, and the constant fear of discovery. When their dreams are shattered and they are sent back, they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, often with nothing but debt and despair.
Adding another layer of complexity is the involvement of gangsters. Increasingly, they are using the dunki route to escape law enforcement, leveraging their resources and connections to secure fake documents and establish international criminal networks. This not only endangers ordinary migrants, who face increased risks and exploitation, but also allows criminals to operate with impunity. The involvement of figures associated with organized crime highlights the far-reaching consequences of the dunki route and the challenges in combating it.
Mobility inequality
The World Migration Report 2024 sheds light on the growing “mobility inequality” in international migration. While the number of migrants has increased, the proportion has only slightly risen, with most migration occurring between wealthy nations. This increasing exclusion of individuals from poorer countries underscores the desperation that drives them to seek opportunities through dangerous and illegal means. Work remains the primary motivator for international migration, with migrant workers often concentrated in high-income countries.
The stories emerging from Punjab demand a comprehensive approach. While cracking down on agents like Arora is essential, it’s merely one piece of the puzzle. Addressing the economic desperation that fuels migration is crucial. Raising awareness about the risks of the dunki route and providing support to returning deportees are equally important. A deeper understanding of the push and pull factors driving these journeys is necessary. What economic and social conditions compel individuals to leave? What false promises lure them into the clutches of unscrupulous agents?
Where do we stand now?
India and the US have identified 18,000 Indian migrants who are in the US illegally.
At least 20,407 undocumented Indians could be affected by the move. Of these, 17,940 are paperless individuals with final removal orders, according to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There are 2,467 others, who are currently in detention under the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to a Reuters report, US President Donald Trump has deported 37,660 people during his first month in office. This is far less than the monthly average of 57,000 removals and returns in the last full year of Joe Biden’s administration.
But the dramatic effect of the US air force C-17 Globemasters landing to deport illegal immigrants is now forcing the world to examine why young people are risking everything to reach the US – even their lives.
The viral videos and social media posts offer a stark reminder of the human drama unfolding. They provide a glimpse into the hidden world of illegal immigration, a world of desperation, exploitation, and shattered dreams. But they also offer hope, a chance to learn and find sustainable solutions. The stories of deportees are not just stories of failure; they are stories of resilience, courage, and the enduring human desire for a better life. These stories must be heard if we are to truly understand the human cost of the dunki route and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, without risking everything on a perilous journey to an uncertain future. They are a call to action, a plea for compassion, and a reminder that behind every statistic, there is a human story waiting to be told.
