Illegal Immigrants Do Not Deserve Sympathy

It is surprising that Punjab government's NRI affairs minister, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal is of the view—according to media reports—that these returnees should have been treated better by the US as they have contributed to the US economy—which is a ridiculous argument.

- JOYEETA BASU

Now that US military aircraft have started bringing to India those Indian nationals who were staying in the United States illegally, it needs to be made amply clear that there is no scope for sympathy for such people. Anyone who takes what is known as the "donkey" route to sneak into foreign countries illegally—be it the US, the UK or any other country—is participating in an act of crime. Illegal immigration is a criminal activity and if these immigrants have been treated like criminals in the US, it is because they are criminals. There is no softer way of putting it. Hence, it is surprising that Punjab government's NRI affairs minister, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal is of the view—according to media reports—that these returnees should have been treated better by the US as they have contributed to the US economy—which is a ridiculous argument.

The minister concerned is also of the view that the youths who are being sent back should be counselled, rehabilitated, jobs found for them and in case they have taken huge loans from banks to fund their misadventures, the interest on such loans should be written off. It seems it never struck the minister that all this amounts to legitimising rank illegalities. People who break the law do not get any privileges.