'Dreams shattered' as US deports Indians ahead of Modi's visit

Much-publicised transfer fulfils key Trump pledge but is an embarrassment for India

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It took Mr Daler Singh six months and US$45,000 (S$61,000) to reach the US in January without paperwork.

Within three weeks of his arrival, he was sent back to his native India on a military plane, his hands and legs cuffed throughout the journey.

Mr Singh, 37, was among 104 Indians deported by the US authorities on Feb 5 in a much-publicised transfer that fulfils a key election pledge of President Donald Trump but is an embarrassment for India, a close partner, whose Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit Washington next week.

"I have lost my entire life earnings. My dreams are shattered," Mr Singh said at his home in the village of Salempura in Punjab state, bordering Pakistan.

"Nobody should take the illegal route and buy promises made by agents. People should go through the visa route."

Mr Singh said he had to mortgage family jewellery and land to raise about 4 million rupees (S$61,800) to pay the agent.