PHAGWARA: In pursuit of a better future, Jaskaran Singh, a resident of village Chiherru in Phagwara Sub Division, spent Rs 45 Lac to migrate to the United States. However, after enduring a harrowing seven-month journey, including three days of walking through the dense jungles of Panama, he returned to India, having lost all his savings.
Jaskaran Singh embarked on his journey with the hope of providing a brighter future for his family. He borrowed the amount by mortgaging his ancestral property.
He told this correspondent that he was called by the agent to Dubai on July 29 where he was asked to stay for few months and after spending three months in Dubai, his dunky journey began His route to the U.S. involved traveling through several countries, including Dubai, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico, before he finally reached the U.S on January 25 but was arrested by US police immediate after crossing the border.
During his journey, Singh faced numerous challenges, including walking through dangerous jungles, sleeping without food and water, and enduring the threats of wildlife. Upon reaching the U.S., he was detained by American authorities and spent three months in prison. Subsequently, he along with other Indian was deported to India on February 3. We were handcuffed and shackles, said Jaskaran. Jaskran is only brother of four sisters.
Speaking about his ordeal, Singh expressed regret for not choosing a legitimate way to migrate. He warned others to avoid falling prey to human traffickers and emphasized the importance of using proper channels for immigration.
Village Sarpanch Sarwan Singh echoed his concerns and urged the government to raise awareness about the risks of illegal immigration. Singh’s story highlights the plight of many who risk everything in search of a better life, only to return empty-handed and in debt.