A growing number of migrants are risking everything to pursue the American dream by traversing a perilous path known as the "donkey route." This illegal backchannel spans four continents, providing a clandestine passage from Asia to North America. Harjit Singh, a 22-year-old from Punjab, India, embarked on this dangerous journey in late January, driven by hopes of a better life in the United States. However, his aspirations met with stark reality when U.S. authorities detained him at the US-Mexico border and subsequently deported him back to India.
Harjit's journey began in Delhi and took him through Uzbekistan, Trinidad and Tobago, and finally into South America. He paid an agent a staggering $60,000 to coordinate this treacherous expedition. The financial burden fell heavily on his family, with Harjit's mother, Gurpreet Kaur, selling inherited land and borrowing thousands from relatives to fund her son's quest for a brighter future. The journey's cost, both financial and emotional, underscores the desperate measures some families take in hope of escaping economic hardship.
For Harjit, a young man whose academic struggles and poor English skills made legal migration unlikely, the "donkey route" seemed like the only viable option. Unfortunately, the journey ended abruptly when U.S. authorities apprehended him. He spent 18 days in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center, where he was fingerprinted, processed, and quickly denied asylum. Harjit described his time in detention as dehumanizing.
"They kept us locked like animals in a cage," – Harjit Singh
Harjit's story is emblematic of the broader issue of undocumented Indian migrants in the United States. The Pew Research Center estimates that approximately 725,000 undocumented Indians reside in the country, many having arrived through similar illegal channels. Despite the dangers, the allure of better opportunities abroad continues to draw individuals like Harjit into taking extreme risks.
The roots of Harjit's decision to undertake such a perilous journey can be traced back to his family circumstances. After the death of his father when he was just eight years old, Harjit's mother struggled to provide for him and his two sisters. The economic strain pushed Harjit to seek avenues for change, though he was acutely aware of the risks involved.
"You can't get rid of an idea once it takes hold over your mind," – Harjit Singh
Despite the obstacles and ultimate failure of his journey, Harjit's experience reveals the lengths to which individuals are willing to go in pursuit of their dreams. His mother’s sacrifices and his own commitment underscore the deep-seated desperation that drives such perilous treks.
India's foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, has asserted that the government is engaging with U.S. authorities to ensure that deportees are treated with dignity upon their return. However, for Harjit and others like him, these assurances offer little solace in light of their shattered dreams and mounting debts.
The journey through the "donkey route" is fraught with danger, with many never reaching their intended destination. Surinder Kumar, another individual familiar with these risks, aptly describes it:
"It's a road to death. If you've got destiny and luck on your side, you can make it," – Surinder Kumar
Harjit's story ends where it began—back in his village in Punjab. However, he returns not only without the success he hoped for but also burdened with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. His sense of defeat and bitterness is palpable as he grapples with an uncertain future.
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