"Gurpreet Singh's Shocking Journey: From Hopeful Migrant to Shackled Deportee"

"After an arduous journey to America filled with peril and hope, Gurpreet Singh finds himself shackled and deported back to India. His story reveals the plight of migrants fleeing dire circumstances and the harsh realities of US immigration policies."

Gurpreet Singh's journey from India to the United States was one filled with hope and aspirations for a better life. However, it ended in chains and disappointment as he found himself being deported back home against his wishes. On February 3, Gurpreet, along with many others, experienced the harsh crackdown on illegal immigration policies initiated by the Trump administration. Handcuffed and shackled, he was led away by US Border Patrol towards a waiting military aircraft, his American dream shattered.

At 39, Gurpreet had invested all his savings, crossing continents to reach the US. The lure of better job opportunities amidst the unemployment crisis in India drew him to embark on this perilous journey. Recent figures indicate around 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants reside in the US, making them the third largest group of such migrants. Despite long odds, Gurpreet was determined to claim asylum after facing threats in India, but under Trump's orders, he was denied the chance to present his case.

His treatment while being deported sparked outrage in India, with images of shackled detainees circulating online. "We were in chains for over 40 hours, with only children spared from this humiliation," he recounted. The treatment of deported Indians became a topic of heated discussion among opposition leaders, highlighting the human rights concerns surrounding these deportations. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, an opposition leader, questioned the Indian government's complicity and urged action on behalf of the deportees.

Gurpreet’s experience challenges the appeasing narrative often portrayed between Prime Minister Modi and former President Trump. He expressed disappointment that the Indian government did not advocate for humane treatment during his deportation process. Following outcry from Indian officials, there were reports of improved treatment for subsequent female deportees.

Despite the discourse surrounding deportation, Gurpreet noted a chilling effect on potential migrants. "No one will attempt this risky route under Trump's supervision," he lamented, recognizing the drastic impact of the current policies on desperate individuals in India. Meanwhile, the people-smuggling networks that help facilitate these dangerous journeys have become increasingly hidden, as both Indian law enforcement and US authorities ramp up efforts to control illegal migration.

While the official unemployment rate may suggest stability, many Indians like Gurpreet live in precarious conditions. "If I were offered even 30,000 rupees (approximately $340) a month, I'd be content and wouldn’t consider emigrating," he said, emphasizing the disparity between the statistics and the reality on the ground.

Gurpreet's own business, once a source of pride, crumbled after a sudden cash withdrawal policy devastated small enterprises across India. Struggling to keep afloat amid economic challenges, he leveraged his entire savings, sold land, and borrowed from family to pay the smuggler $45,000 for a chance at the American Dream.

Gurpreet's perilous journey from Guyana through South America and across treacherous paths to the US included encounters with dangerous elements and numerous obstacles. Ultimately, his hopes were dashed as he surrendered to US Border Patrol only to find himself on the road to deportation within weeks. Now back in India, Gurpreet faces the harsh reality of repaying his debts and finding work to support his family. "We only sought a better life out of necessity. The opportunities here are non-existent," he reflected.