'Paid ₹1cr, sold lands': Deported Indians lament crushed American dream
What's the story
In a major crackdown on illegal immigration, a United States military plane carrying 104 deported Indian migrants landed in Amritsar on February 5. The deportees, who were apprehended at the US-Mexico border around 10 days ago, said they felt betrayed after spending huge amounts of money and resources to reach America. Among the returnees, a Gujarati family disclosed they had paid ₹1 crore for their journey to the US.
Personal losses
Deportees share stories of financial sacrifice
Similarly, another family from Amritsar sold 1.5 acres of land and spent over ₹42 lakh to send a relative abroad. Another deportee's father claimed that they had spent over ₹60 lakh to secure a bright future for their son in the US. "We spent over Rs 60 lakh to send him to the US. We took loans and pledged everything we had," Swaran Singh told India Today TV.
Probe initiated
Investigation into illegal immigration agents underway
Notably, the Indian government hasn't ruled out further deportations but assured citizens with verified records would be accepted back into India. Authorities are now probing the illegal immigration agents who helped them make these journeys. A senior police officer said, "They feel betrayed by whomever they gave money to." Special arrangements were made at the airport to process and transport the deportees back to their hometowns.
Arrival details
Deportees' journey and reception in India
Charanjit Singh, a retired police officer, was at the airport to receive his grandson, Ajaydeep Singh. Not all families were aware of their loved ones' return as some deportees requested not to reveal their situation. Of the 104 deported, 79 were men and 25 were women. They belonged to different states such as Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh.