Dreams dashed: Illegal immigrants return in handcuffs, debt, disgrace

Among the 117 Indian illegal immigrants deported from the US on Saturday night, 33 were from Haryana, including 16 from Karnal and Kaithal districts. One of them, Anuj Kumar from Jundla village in Karnal, had left home dreaming of a better future in the US. Instead, he returned in handcuffs, his family burdened with debt and his aspirations crushed.

Illegal immigration: A growing crisis

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- 117 Indians deported from the US, including 33 from Haryana

- 16 deportees from Karnal and Kaithal districts alone

- Families spent lakhs on illegal agents by selling property and taking loans

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Anuj’s family revealed that they spent Rs 45 lakh to send him to the US via the risky ‘donkey route, borrowing heavily and even selling property to fund his journey. However, instead of a new life, he was detained and deported.

Anuj’s father, Ashok Kumar, expressed his anguish over the treatment of deportees. “The US authorities treated my son and others in an inhuman way, like criminals. They should be sent back with dignity, not in handcuffs. The government must look into such cases,” he said, questioning the system that exploits desperate youth.

His brother, Manoj Kumar, added, “We took loans and sold property to pay Rs 45 lakh for his travel. Initially, the agent assured us that payment could be made later, but once Anuj got stuck, they started demanding money.” The payment was made in instalments.

The rising number of youth being lured abroad by agents has sparked concerns in Jundla village. “Parents spend lakhs to send their children abroad, but due to agents’ fraud and government negligence, they are being sent back. The government must crack down on illegal immigration agents and support these deported youths,” said a local resident.

The list of deported persons from Karnal includes Amit (Assandh), Saksham (Popda), Nikhil (Gharaunda), Harsh (Sagga), Arun (Gharaunda), Satbir (Sadar Bazar), Vipin (Karan Vihar) and Gurjant Singh (Taraori). From Kaithal, those deported include Ankit (Kalayat), Ramesh (Kheri Lamba), Sushil (Matoor in Kalayat), Prince (Kakot), Gurnam (Ramnagar in Siwan), Gurpreet Singh (Cheeka) and Mandeep (Guhla).

While some families have spoken out, the majority of the deported individuals remain silent, unwilling to discuss their ordeal.