Robin Handa, a 27-year-old computer engineer from Haryana’s Kurukshetra, dreamed of a better life in the US. His family paid Rs 43 lakh to a travel agent, who assured him he would reach his destination in a month.
Instead, he endured a six-month-long journey across multiple countries, often going hungry. When he finally reached the US border, he was arrested and later deported.
Handa was among 104 Indians deported from the US on Wednesday, including 33 from Haryana and 30 from Punjab. Many of them have shared similar stories of being cheated by travel agents who promised a safe passage to the US.
Out of the 33 deportees from Haryana, 14 are from Kurukshetra. Some are staying with relatives to avoid media attention. The police have contacted 10 of them to gather details about the agents who arranged their illegal travel through the risky 'donkey route'—a dangerous path used to enter the US without proper documents.
Kurukshetra Superintendent of Police Varun Singla said that while families have been approached, none have filed complaints yet. He added that cases will only be registered if complaints are made. Some families have even left for unknown locations.
Also Read: Mad pursuit of 'dreams' that end up in nightmares
Stories of struggle and betrayal
Jagtar Singh from Punjab’s Bhateri village hoped to join his brother in the US. He left Delhi for Malta on January 11 and then traveled through Spain and Mexico via the 'donkey route.'
He was caught by the US Border Patrol just days after entering the country and was detained for 11 days before being deported. "My dream is shattered. My life is ruined," said Singh, who supports his wife, two daughters, and mother.
Harwinder from Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district had a similar experience. He paid Rs 42 lakh to an agent, who first sent him to Brazil. From there, he traveled by road through Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama, where he was forced to pay the remaining amount. He and others then attempted to enter the US but were caught and deported.
Many deportees said they paid between Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh to agents who took them through multiple countries, often on dangerous journeys involving mountains, forests, and seas.
According to immigration experts, unauthorised travel agents charge between Rs 30 to Rs 55 lakh per person. They typically route people through Europe, Peru, Panama, Ecuador, and Guatemala before reaching the US-Mexico border.
Despite knowing the risks, many people from Punjab’s Majha and Doaba regions, as well as Haryana’s Kurukshetra, Karnal, and Ambala districts, continue to take these dangerous routes in search of better opportunities abroad.
Also Read: US deportee who returned home goes missing in Punjab
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