A US military aircraft carrying 205 deported Indian nationals landed in Amritsar today, marking another chapter in the growing number of forced repatriations from the United States. The deportees, primarily from Punjab and Haryana, had attempted to enter the US through irregular routes, often enduring harrowing journeys in search of better opportunities.
At the Amritsar airport, families waited anxiously, some with tears in their eyes, as they reunited with loved ones. For many, the return was not just a personal loss but also a financial catastrophe. Most of these migrants had borrowed large sums of money—often at exorbitant interest rates—to fund their journeys, believing that a better future in America would help them repay their debts.
The Punjab government has expressed concern over the increasing number of deportations and the plight of returning migrants. Officials have stated that they will offer counseling and assistance to help them reintegrate into society. However, many deportees fear the stigma of failure and uncertainty about their future.
Human rights organizations have criticized the US immigration system for its harsh policies, arguing that many of those deported could have had legitimate claims for asylum or work permits. The US government, however, maintains that it is enforcing its immigration laws strictly to deter unauthorized entry.
As these 205 individuals step back onto Indian soil, their dreams may have been shattered, but their struggles are far from over. They now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives in a homeland that, for many, feels both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.