Ambala man’s American dream ends in chains

The dream of a better life in the US has ended for Harjinder Singh of Jagoli village in Ambala, who was deported on Sunday after being caught for illegal stay.

Harjinder, who went to the US in 2021, said he had dreamt of working hard and earning well for his family’s future. But his hopes were crushed when US authorities deported him under the Trump administration’s policy of removing illegal immigrants.

“They should have deported us with dignity instead of sending us in chains. We remained in chains for nearly 25 hours. There is swelling in my legs and other body parts are also in pain. They shouldn’t have treated us like this,” said an emotional Harjinder, narrating his ordeal.

He recalled that he had learnt cooking after reaching the US and was employed in Jacksonville, Florida.

“It was a good country and I was earning well, but the Trump administration caught me and deported me to India. Many other Indians have also been sent back. They have crushed our dreams,” he lamented.

Belonging to an agricultural family, Harjinder said financial distress in farming pushed him to take the risk of going abroad.

“We get payment for our produce after six months, and even then, the returns are poor. The cost of urea, diesel, pesticides, labour and transport has increased so much that we are left with nothing despite all the hard work,” he said.

“I have lost Rs 35 lakh while chasing the American dream, which we had earned through farming. I feel sad for my children because I couldn’t secure their future. If jobs were available here, why would anyone go abroad, leaving their family behind?” he asked.

Harjinder urged the government to create better employment opportunities in India.

“The government should help us and ensure jobs for everyone, including the less educated. If something happens to our family while we are abroad, we can’t even return to help them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Anil Vij expressed concern over the way Indians are treated during deportation.

“Even if people are deported, the US should send them back humanely. No matter how they went, they are human beings and have human rights,” Vij said.

He, however, clarified that those who travelled through the “donkey route” had not used authorised channels.

“The government has already framed a policy to take strict action against agents sending youth abroad illegally,” he added.

Haryana Tribune