Dream turns nightmare: Kurukshetra youth asks youngsters to avoid illegal routes to US

A youth from Kurukshetra, recently deported from the US after spending two years and nearly Rs 75 lakh in pursuit of the American dream, has appealed to youngsters not to risk their lives by taking the illegal “donkey route”. Instead, he suggests they invest such money in small businesses within the country.

Nayan Arya, alias Sonu, a resident of Barna village, was among the Indian nationals deported from the US recently. Sitting with his parents at home, he said his hopes of earning well to support his family had collapsed. He also urged the government to help him recover the money taken by the agent who sent him abroad illegally in 2023.

Recalling his ordeal, Nayan said, “On November 18, my hands and legs were chained and I remained in the same position for nearly 24 hours. It was very tough and they shouldn’t have chained us. It was a very bad experience.”

Sharing details of his journey, he said, “I left for the US nearly two years ago and had suffered a lot of hardships during my journey. My passport was snatched by the agent and I was kept in a camp there for several months and also in jail for six months for the violations. I have spent nearly Rs 75 lakh of which the agent took around Rs 31 lakh from me, while the remaining was given to three lawyers there to defend my case, and the guarantor there.”

He added that he could barely work during his stay abroad. “I had hardly worked a couple of months there. I request the government to take action against the agent and help us in recovering the money. It will help me in starting some work here. My parents are also upset as two years of my life and money were wasted. The agent had assured that I will be sent directly to America in a plane but I was left in a jungle with the donkers. We have spent nights in chilling weather conditions and on empty stomach in jungle. It took nearly one month to cross the jungle area.”

A visibly distressed Nayan added, “My father had to sell the agricultural land to fulfil my dreams and now I am not able to do anything. I appeal to all the youngsters not to take the donkey route for the US and if you are able to arrange Rs 40-50 lakh, then utilise the same money to start a business here. The government should take action against the agents who lure the youngsters and take them through donkey routes just to earn some money.”

His father, Satyawan, echoed the plea for government intervention. “The agent cheated us and left my son in the jungle. We were harassed and I have lost everything. I have already made a police complaint against him. The government should help us recover the money.”