Harpreet Singh Laliya’s Harrowing Illegal Immigration Journey to the U.S.
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Harpreet Singh Laliya’s attempt to illegally immigrate to Canada led to a distressing journey to the U.S., where he was held by a Mexican mafia for ten days. Despite spending ₹50 lakh, he returned to India handcuffed and shackled after enduring severe hardships. The incident highlights the dangers of illegal immigration and raises questions about the treatment of deportees.
Harpreet Singh Laliya’s aspiration to reach Canada turned into a harrowing journey to the United States due to an error by his immigration agent. He spent approximately ₹50 lakh on this illegal venture but faced numerous challenges, including being incarcerated by a Mexican mafia for ten days. Ultimately, he returned to India under distressing circumstances, handcuffed and shackled.
Laliya recounted his experience, detailing his departure from New Delhi on December 5, 2024, with a Canadian visa but failing to board his connecting flight in Abu Dhabi. After spending eight days in Delhi, he was rerouted through several countries like Egypt, Spain, Guatemala, and Honduras before reaching Mexico and attempting to cross into the US.
The financial burden of this trip was substantial. Laliya raised ₹49.5 lakh through loans from banks as well as support from friends and family. He explained that he had intended to pursue employment in Canada, but the mistake made by his agent led him to undertake this treacherous path.
His arduous journey included a grueling trek across mountains and an extensive 16-hour walk to the US border. Before deportation, he and one hundred other individuals were placed in US immigration facilities known as “welcome centers” and subsequently returned to India on a military flight, handcuffed and chained.
A total of 104 Indians were deported back to India on a US C-17 Globemaster aircraft, arriving at the Amritsar airport. The deportees included various individuals from states such as Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar later clarified that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regulations stipulated the use of restraints during deportation but exempted women and children from such measures.
The case of Harpreet Singh Laliya underscores the significant risks associated with illegal immigration efforts, especially under the guidance of unscrupulous agents. His experience is reflective of broader trends where individuals seek better opportunities abroad, often falling victim to deceit and exploitation. The consequences of such decisions can be severe, as evidenced by Laliya’s harrowing experiences with the Mexican mafia and the subsequent deportation back to India. Illegal immigration to the United States has been a subject of increasing concern, with various nationalities risking their lives and finances for the hope of a better future outside their home countries. Reports of abuse, entrapment, and harsh conditions during the journey highlight the desperate measures many undertake in pursuit of opportunity. In recent years, governments have been forced to address the complexities of immigration laws and enforcement, particularly regarding the treatment of migrants during deportation.
The ordeal of Harpreet Singh Laliya illustrates the perils faced by individuals attempting to immigrate illegally, often under the erroneous guidance of immigration agents. His financial, physical, and emotional struggles culminated in an undignified return to India, serving as a cautionary tale for others contemplating similar paths. The incident also raises critical questions regarding the immigration system and the treatment of deportees, ultimately emphasizing the need for awareness and vigilance among prospective migrants and stricter regulations against fraudulent immigration services.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com