Harjinder Singh’s story shows the reality of thousands of newcomers who dream of going to America illegally from Punjab and Haryana. But this dream is often taken to the doorstep of death.
17 Lakh Rupees and a Deadly Journey
Harjinder had given 17 lakh rupees (20,000 dollars) to a travel agent to reach America. The agent had said that everything would be smooth, but the reality was different.
Journey from Colombia to Mexico:
8 hours bus journey from Colombia
Turbo boat to Panama jungle
105 kms of paddling in jungle, 10 days journey, in which 40 dead bodies were seen
Waiting for 20 days in Mexico:
Loading in trucks via Guatemala and reaching Tapachula in Mexico
Keeping in a detention camp in Veracruz
Questioning with US border officials through video conferencing
But when it seemed that now we will reach America, then the order of deportation came.
America’s strictness and fear of deportation
The Trump government is again bringing strictness on illegal immigrants. Due to which thousands of Indians are being sent back. This trend is going to increase further.
Why is Punjab Police creating case files?
Punjab police is preparing case files of Indians to be deported because –
- Action on Human Trafficking and Travel Agents:
Identifying those agents who are running the business of illegal immigration
Breaking this network by taking legal action
- Maintaining records of deported youth:
To see that no one tries illegal migration again
Preventing immigration frauds in future
- Public Awareness Campaign:
To make people understand that Donkey Route is a dangerous and risky route
What do you learn?
Harjinder’s story is a wake-up call for those people who plan to go to America or Europe illegally.
If Harjinder had invested those 17 lakh rupees in some business or farming, perhaps his life would have been settled today.
The dream of America will be fulfilled only when the right and legal way is adopted. Otherwise this dream can also become a journey of death.