New Delhi: A flight carrying 53 residents from Haryana, who were deported from the United States for alleged illegal stay, arrived at Delhi airport on Saturday night. Officials confirmed on Sunday that all 53 individuals were subsequently reunited with their families after completing necessary documentation.
This latest deportation flight occurs approximately 10 months after a previous incident involving the deportation of over 300 Indian nationals sparked controversy due to allegations of inhumane treatment, including the use of handcuffs and shackles on women and children. The matter was then escalated to US authorities by the Indian government.
According to figures released in July, the US has deported a total of 1,563 Indian nationals since the beginning of the year. Officials familiar with the recent arrivals stated that the deported individuals hailed from various districts in Haryana. Specifically, 16 were from Karnal district, 14 from Kaithal, five each from Ambala and Kurukshetra, four from Yamunanagar, three from Jind, and one each from Rohtak, Panipat, Panchkula, Fatehabad, and Sonepat districts. The home district of one deportee is still being verified.
Upon arrival, the deportees were transported by bus to their respective districts by the Chief Minister’s Flying Squad. Most individuals reportedly used illicit “donkey routes” to enter the US.
DSP Lalit Yadav confirmed the arrival of 14 residents from Kaithal, stating that they had sought work in the US and were apprehended for illegal stay. He also noted that one individual from Taragarh village, who had skipped court appearances after being booked under the Excise Act, would face legal proceedings.
One of the deportees, Naresh Kumar from Kaithal, shared his distressing experience. He recounted that his ambition of achieving the ‘American dream’ was shattered after spending approximately ₹57 lakh, and he endured 14 months in a US federal jail. Kumar detailed how he sold his agricultural land for ₹42 lakh and borrowed heavily from relatives and friends, totaling ₹57 lakh, to pay agents who facilitated his journey through the “dunki route” via Panama. Despite the immense hardship and a journey lasting over two months, he was among those deported.
In response to the increasing instances of illegal immigration, the US State Department announced visa restrictions in May on travel agencies in India found to be facilitating such activities. Reports indicate that a significant number of deportees are from Punjab and Gujarat, having used the “donkey routes” facilitated by travel agents.
Authorities in Karnal have reported that no deportees have filed formal complaints against any travel agents thus far. It was also noted that one deportee had a prior criminal case related to electricity theft, for which he was on bail, and another Sonepat resident faced an Arms Act case.
Key Takeaways:
- 53 Haryana residents deported from the US for illegal stay have returned to Delhi.
- Many faced lengthy detentions and financial losses, spending up to ₹57 lakh.
- The deportations highlight the risks associated with illegal immigration routes, often referred to as ‘donkey routes’.
- The US has implemented visa restrictions on travel agencies involved in facilitating illegal immigration.
- Recent deportations follow a controversial mass deportation of over 300 Indians last year.