In a recent deportation operation, a U.S. military C-17 aircraft transported 104 Indian nationals back to India, highlighting the perilous journeys many undertake via the ‘donkey route’ to enter the United States illegally. This route involves a treacherous path through multiple countries, often under life-threatening conditions.
The ‘Donkey Route’ Explained
The ‘donkey route’ refers to an illicit pathway used by migrants to enter Western countries, particularly the U.S., bypassing official immigration channels. This journey typically starts with legal travel to countries offering visa-on-arrival facilities. From there, migrants traverse through various nations, often enduring hazardous terrains, to reach their desired destination. This route is fraught with dangers, including exploitation by human traffickers, exposure to harsh environmental conditions, and the constant threat of detention or death.
First-Hand Accounts of the Perilous Journey
One deportee from Punjab recounted his ordeal, stating that he was initially flown to Italy before being taken to Latin America. He described a grueling 15-hour boat ride followed by a 40-45 km trek across 17-18 hills. “If one slipped, there would be no chance of survival… We have seen a lot. If anybody got injured, he was left to die. We saw dead bodies,” he revealed.
Another individual, Jaspal Singh, shared that he was deceived by a travel agent who promised legal passage to the U.S. After paying ₹30 lakh, Singh was flown to Brazil in July of the previous year. Contrary to the agent’s assurances of an all-air journey, Singh was compelled to cross borders illegally. After a six-month stay in Brazil, he attempted to enter the U.S. but was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The U.S. Crackdown on Illegal Immigration
The recent deportation aligns with the U.S. administration’s intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration. For the first time, U.S. military aircraft were utilized to repatriate migrants to India, marking the farthest destination for such flights. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and deterring unauthorized entries.
The Human Cost of Illegal Migration
The ‘donkey route’ is not only perilous but also financially draining. Migrants often exhaust their life savings or incur substantial debts to fund their journey, only to face detention and deportation. The physical and psychological toll is immense, with many witnessing death, enduring starvation, and suffering injuries during the trek. The recent deportees hailed from various Indian states, including Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh, reflecting the widespread nature of this issue.
Government Response and Future Implications
In response to the deportations, opposition lawmakers in India’s Parliament protested against the alleged mistreatment of the deported individuals, particularly concerning reports of them being shackled during the flight. This incident has sparked a broader debate on the treatment of illegal immigrants and the responsibilities of both sending and receiving countries.
The increasing use of the ‘donkey route’ by Indian migrants underscores the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reforms and bilateral agreements to ensure safe and legal migration pathways. It also highlights the importance of public awareness campaigns to inform potential migrants about the dangers of illegal routes and the legal consequences of unauthorized entry.
