Huge loans, land loss in pursuit of American dream a nightmare now

THE families of illegal Indian immigrants deported back on Wednesday had taken loans and sold their lands or homes to send their wards to the United States, and they are now worried about how to repay the vast amounts.

- HARPREET BAJWA @Chandigarh

They had raised anywhere between ₹40-60 lakh to pay agents for sending the youths abroad through the 'donkey route', a move that has backfired. They want the government to help them out financially.

One of the deported youths, Gurpreet Singh, who belongs to Tarf Behbal village in Kapurthala district, had gone to the US only six months ago. His family says they only learned on Wednesday that he was being sent back.

"We have now lost our house, as we took a loan of ₹45 lakh from relatives, friends and others to send him. Now, we can only survive if the government helps us. Else, it is all over," said a family member.

Akashdeep Singh from Rajatal in Amritsar had been out of contact with his family for the last fortnight. His father came to know why, when the police informed him of his return. The family spent ₹60 lakh to send him to the US. But he is happy that at least his son returned safely.