Nagpur Man’s Perilous Illegal Journey to the U.S. Ends in Deportation

Harpreet Singh Laliya from Nagpur attempted to migrate illegally to the U.S. but ended up detained by a Mexican gang and later deported. Initially seeking to travel to Canada, he faced numerous challenges, spending ₹50 lakh for his journey. The Indian government informed that deported individuals were returned under restraint, highlighting the risks associated with illegal immigration.

Harpreet Singh Laliya, a resident of Nagpur, has shared his harrowing experience of an ill-fated attempt to migrate illegally to the United States. Initially wishing to travel to Canada, Laliya ended up in the U.S. due to an error made by his migration agent, leading to a series of misadventures and a steep financial loss of ₹50 lakh. His journey concluded with a humiliating deportation, where he was returned to India in handcuffs and leg chains.

Beginning his endeavor on December 5, 2024, Laliya initially had a visa for Canada. After encountering trouble with a connecting flight in Abu Dhabi, he lingered in New Delhi for eight days, after which he embarked on a convoluted journey through Cairo before making a series of treks across several Central American countries, culminating at the U.S. border.

Having raised ₹49.5 lakh through loans and support from friends and family, he described the physical and emotional toll of his journey. Laliya recounted being captured by a Mexican gang and held captive for ten days. He was forced to undertake a strenuous trek across mountains and endure a long walk to reach the U.S. border, a clear reflection of the immense dangers associated with illegal immigration.

A group of 104 illegal immigrants, including Laliya, was deported by U.S. authorities. They were initially housed at a facility dubbed ‘welcome centres’ before being transported back to India aboard a U.S. military C-17 aircraft. Interestingly, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha that while standard procedures for deportation permit restraints, women and children are exempt from such measures according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The phenomenon of illegal immigration from India, particularly targeting countries with perceived greater opportunities for employment and better living conditions, has seen a rise in instances of individuals being misled by agents. This tragedy of Harpreet Singh Laliya illustrates the significant financial costs and emotional challenges faced by migrants. Cases such as his highlight the grave risks entailed in such journeys, often leading individuals through harsh terrains and placing them in perilous situations under the control of criminal organizations.

Harpreet Singh Laliya’s ordeal exemplifies the grave and multifaceted challenges faced by individuals attempting illegal immigration. His experience, marked by significant financial loss, physical hardship, and a degrading return journey, underscores the potential dangers of relying on migration agents for hope of better opportunities abroad. The insights provided by the Indian government indicate systemic issues within the illegal immigration process that demand attention and reform.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com