A US military plane carrying 205 Indian migrants is set to land in Amritsar on Wednesday. The C-17 aircraft left San Antonio, Texas, at 3 AM IST. Most deportees are from Gujarat and Punjab, according to sources.
Experts Call for Action Against Illegal Travel Agents
Immigration consultants believe authorities must identify and punish those behind illegal migration. Nitin Chawla, a member of the Association of Consultants for Overseas Studies (ACOS), Punjab, stressed the need for accountability.
“Earlier, Canada deported Indians, and now the US is doing the same. They have listed over 20,000 individuals for deportation. While we welcome them back, it is time for self-introspection,” he said.
He insisted that returning migrants should name the agents who sent them illegally so action can follow. He also pointed out that many knowingly took illegal routes, so “playing the victim card is not justified.”
Fear of More Mass Deportations
Chawla warned that Canada could soon follow with large-scale deportations. He said Canada has already tightened immigration rules, and the US is now enforcing similar measures.
He raised concerns about how India, especially Punjab, will handle the returning migrants. “We already have high unemployment. What will happen to those coming back?” he asked.
Support for Legal Migration
Ludhiana-based education consultant Gaurav Chaudhary backed the government’s stance on deportation. “Illegal migration is risky. Encouraging legal pathways ensures safety, stability, and better opportunities,” he stated.
Investigating the Illegal Immigration Network
Vinay Kumar Hari, another immigration expert, revealed that over 5,000 more Indians could be deported soon. He said many crossed the US-Canada border illegally, while others used unauthorized routes.
He urged authorities to investigate and dismantle the illegal immigration network. “Licensed agents follow legal procedures. The real culprits are those running unregistered immigration rackets,” he said.
Hari alleged that these illegal networks operate from Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, and other states. “They take migrants on charter flights, through jungles, and on dangerous routes. People must understand the risks of illegal migration,” he warned.
Demand for Migration Remains High
Despite crackdowns, many in Punjab and Haryana still seek illegal routes to the US. Travel agents told The Indian Express that migration demand remains strong.
The “Dunki route” is a popular illegal pathway. It involves crossing the US-Mexico border through unauthorized routes. Migrants often travel through Africa and South America before reaching Mexico.
With thousands more deportations expected, experts urge public awareness and strict action against illegal immigration networks. They emphasize that legal migration remains the safest and most reliable option.