Punjab's Painful Exit: U.S. Deportations Highlight Risks of Donkey Route

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Key Takeaways

• The February 5, 2025, deportation flight to Punjab carried 104 deportees, 29.8% of whom were from the state.
• The “donkey route” costs Rs 30–55 lakh ($36,000–$66,000) and involves perilous journeys through jungles, hills, and multiple countries.
• Stricter U.S. policies include expedited removal of undocumented individuals in the U.S. for under two years and ICE detention escalation.

The rising wave of deportations of Indian nationals from the United States has turned the spotlight on illegal migration, particularly from Punjab 🇮🇳. A deportation flight arriving in Amritsar on February 5, 2025, marked a significant moment in U.S. immigration policies. This flight, carrying 104 deportees aboard a U.S. military aircraft, signaled tighter measures against illegal immigration. Among these deportees, approximately 29.8% were from Punjab, highlighting the region’s prominence in this concerning trend.

Further information reveals that 112 out of 332 deported individuals, or 33.7%, recently originated from Punjab. This consistent pattern shows how the state has become a hotspot for such cases. The costs, risks, and policies behind these experiences reveal a larger story—complex and deeply rooted.

The Costly and Dangerous ‘Donkey Route’

For many seeking better lives abroad, the well-known “donkey route” has become a tragic symbol of desperation. This route, often called the “dunki route,” involves a dangerous journey through multiple countries at an enormous financial cost. Individuals typically spend between Rs 30 and 55 lakh (around $36,000 to $66,000) to undertake this perilous trek.

The path usually begins with a tourist visa to a country in Europe or a transit state like Dubai 🇦🇪. From there, people travel to South American nations such as Peru or Panama before attempting the grueling trek across countries like Guatemala. The journey includes traversing dense jungles, like the one in Panama, on foot and enduring boat rides to reach the U.S.-Mexico border. One deportee, Sukhpal Singh, described trekking 40-45 kilometers and climbing steep hills. According to Singh, even a single misstep could have been fatal. Such harrowing accounts underline the life-threatening risks tied to this illegal migration tactic.

The Role of Illegal Agents

The expensive nature of the “donkey route” has spawned a network of illegal travel agents who profit from orchestrating these journeys. Of the Punjabi returnees on the February 5 flight, 14 identified their travel agents or provided pseudonyms. Some agents operated internationally, including five based in Dubai and one in Spain 🇪🇸. Others worked domestically, particularly in cities like Ludhiana, Patiala, and Nawanshahr.

Acknowledging the scale of this issue, the Punjab Police has stepped up its efforts. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been created to look into these trafficking cases, and eight first information reports (FIRs) have already been filed based on deportees’ testimonies. This new focus aims to address human trafficking while holding accountable those involved in exploiting vulnerable individuals.

U.S. Policy Shifts Behind the Deportation Waves

The Trump administration has significantly increased deportations as part of its emphasis on stricter immigration enforcement. Recent policy changes now allow expedited removal of undocumented persons who have been in the U.S. for under two years, expanding the previous rule that limited such removals. Furthermore, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been directed to detain at least 1,800 individuals daily nationwide, increasing the pace of deportations.

Data underscores the scale of the operation. Between October 2023 and September 2024, over 1,000 Indian nationals were sent back to India 🇮🇳, and the February flight reflected a further intensification of these efforts. The U.S. government has noted that as many as 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants remain in the country and may also face deportation soon.

Education Levels and the Drive to Migrate

The profiles of deportees from Punjab suggest that low levels of education may contribute to their decisions to attempt illegal migration. A database compiled by local officials revealed that only two of the 30 adults deported from Punjab had completed college, while most stopped at 10th or 12th grade. Lack of higher education often leaves people with fewer job prospects, which, coupled with aspirations for a better life, leads them to pursue risky and unauthorized migration strategies.

Local and Global Implications

These deportations are creating challenges not only for individuals and families in Punjab but for the region itself. Many families sell assets such as land or vehicles to finance the expensive “donkey route” journey. When deportees return empty-handed, these families are left in financial ruin. Experts believe that this economic fallout will leave deep scars on affected households, many of whom believed migration was the key to changing their fortunes.

Punjab 🇮🇳, already grappling with issues like unemployment and limited global opportunities, is particularly vulnerable. The regions of Majha and Doaba, known for their high rates of emigration, are often more affected than others. This presents a pressing need for systemic interventions—both to create better local opportunities and to spread awareness about the dangers of illegal migration.

The larger Indian diaspora feels the ripple effects as well. Within the U.S., estimates of undocumented Indian nationals range up to 725,000 individuals, many of whom live in fear of future deportation. As the Trump administration’s measures grow stricter, this segment of the population faces increasing uncertainty. At the same time, Indian officials must navigate the sensitive task of supporting their citizens abroad while managing bilateral ties with the U.S.

India’s Balanced Response

The Indian government has so far taken a measured stance on the ongoing deportations. Officials have confirmed they will accept deported nationals back home, provided their Indian citizenship is verified. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India and the U.S. are cooperating to discourage illegal migration while exploring opportunities to expand legal pathways for Indian citizens.

The emphasis on legal migration was further reiterated by Punjab’s Minister for NRI Affairs, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. Dhaliwal has urged residents of the state to avoid illegal means of migration and instead focus on acquiring the educational qualifications and job skills necessary to move abroad legally.

Addressing Root Causes

As deportations continue, local and international governments must contend with the root causes driving unauthorized migration. In Punjab, unemployment and limited opportunities for youth exacerbate the issue. Additionally, social pressures and the allure of a prosperous life abroad play key roles in fueling the dream of migration—often leading families to resort to risky and unlawful paths.

By focusing on creating more local opportunities, enhancing education systems, and cracking down on human trafficking networks, authorities can better address the factors pushing people to consider illegal migration routes. In addition, efforts to highlight the enormous risks and debts tied to the “donkey route” are vital in saving others from the same fate.

Conclusion

The ongoing deportation of Indian nationals, especially those from Punjab 🇮🇳, shines a light on the human cost of unauthorized migration and the policy changes shaping these events. The financial, emotional, and social toll is devastating, particularly for families left in deep debt. At the same time, the experiences of the deportees underscore the challenges of balancing border enforcement with compassion for the individuals involved.

Both U.S. authorities and Indian officials face significant hurdles in addressing illegal migration effectively. While policies like expedited removal aim to curb unauthorized migration, they also raise ethical and political questions. For regions like Punjab, the need for long-term solutions addressing economic stagnation and youth unemployment becomes ever more urgent.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while stricter enforcement may deter some from taking the “donkey route,” a comprehensive approach addressing root causes is essential for reducing illegal migration sustainably. To learn more about official U.S. immigration policies, you can visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The path forward requires not just deterrence but creating meaningful opportunities that enable hopeful migrants to pursue their dreams through legal and safe channels.

Learn Today

Deportation → The forced removal of a person from a country, typically due to legal or immigration status violations.
Donkey Route → A risky, illegal migration path involving multiple countries, often costing migrants significant money and posing severe dangers.
Expedited Removal → A U.S. immigration policy allowing quick deportation of undocumented individuals who meet specific residency criteria.
Human Trafficking → The illegal transportation of people, often exploiting them for labor, money, or services under coercive conditions.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) → A task force formed by law enforcement to investigate serious or complex cases, such as illegal migration networks.

This Article in a Nutshell

The rising deportation of Punjabi migrants spotlights illegal migration’s dangers, rooted in unemployment and social pressures. The perilous “donkey route” symbolizes desperation, costing families vast sums and risking lives. Stricter U.S. policies intensify the crisis, urging India to tackle root causes—boosting education, opportunities, and awareness—to end this heartbreaking cycle sustainably.
— By VisaVerge.com