The Hidden Risks of Illegal Immigration: Heartbreaking Stories from Punjab and Gujarat

A special army plane recently returned 104 Indians to Amritsar, Punjab, after they were deported by the US government for being in the country without legal authorization. The majority of these individuals hail from Punjab and Gujarat. Astonishingly, the relatives of some deportees were completely in the dark about their family members' journey to the US, leading to widespread astonishment and a slew of inquiries directed towards officials.

In one such instance, Nikita Patel from Gujarat found herself among those deported, a fact unbeknownst to her family until recently. Her father, Kanu Bhai Patel, shared, "She told us she was going to Europe with her friends. She left India a month ago. However, we were unaware that she went to the US. Even during our last phone conversation, she didn't mention it." The revelation left her family reeling in shock.

The situation of Ketubhai Patel, another deportee, sheds light on the dire consequences of attempting to migrate illegally. After selling his flat in Surat to finance his trip to the US, where he was ultimately caught and deported, his family is now grappling with significant financial challenges. They lament the hardships brought upon them by his decision to bypass legal migration channels.

Adding to the narratives, the Gohel family from Gujarat experienced a similar fate when they were deported back to India. The local community was oblivious to Kiran Singh Gohel, his wife, and son's departure to the US until their return. "We were unaware that our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson went to the US. We haven't spoken to them on the phone for the past 15 days," Kiran Singh's mother expressed her distress.

This recent wave of deportations underscores the risks and challenges associated with undocumented migration. Experts in immigration caution against the perilous journey without legal documentation, emphasizing that the repercussions can be severe.

Concluding, the ordeal of these families not only sheds light on the perils of illegal immigration but also on the misinformation and desperation that drive individuals to undertake such risky endeavors. As immigration authorities warn, embarking on such paths without proper legal safeguards can lead to grave outcomes, affecting not just the individuals involved but their families too.