Deported And Broken: Punjab’s Youth And Perils Of Illegal Migration-OxBig News Network

In recent months, an alarming trend has emerged among Punjab’s youth. Many young people, lured by promises of a better life abroad, have fallen prey to illegal migration brokers. These brokers use enticing offers to mask the true dangers of the journey, which often ends in tragedy and deportation. Recent deportation cases from the USA have brought this harsh reality into the spotlight, warning others of the severe risks involved.

One such case is that of Sukhpal Singh from Bathinda. According to a tweet by the US Embassy, Sukhpal’s journey was nothing short of harrowing. He traveled for 15 hours by sea and then walked 40–45 kilometers through treacherous hills and deep valleys, only to be arrested in Mexico. He recalled, “We were lodged in a dark cell for 14 days, and we never saw the sun. There are thousands of Punjabi boys, families and children in similar circumstances.” Sukhpal’s testimony, reported on X handle of US And India, vividly captures the extreme dangers and inhumane conditions faced by these migrants.

Deportees appeal to Indians to avoid illegal migration: Sukhpal Singh traveled 15 hours by sea and walked 40-45 kilometres through hills that were flanked by deep-treacherous valleys only to be arrested in Mexico. “If someone got injured, they were left to die. We saw many bodies… pic.twitter.com/rbWfhgLM2h
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) March 22, 2025

Another deportee, Harpreet Singh from Chandigarh, shared his painful experience in an interview with the media. Harpreet explained, “I trusted the promises of a better life, but instead, I found myself lost in a nightmare. The fake travel agents deceived me with false hopes, and now I am back home, feeling broken and scared.” His words resonate with many families in Punjab who are left to cope with the aftermath of shattered dreams and broken futures.

These individual stories reveal a larger, troubling picture. Despite Punjab’s fertile land and rich agricultural heritage, many young people feel trapped by a lack of local employment opportunities. Over the years, government efforts to move farmers away from traditional practices have not been enough to create the kind of economic change that inspires hope. Consequently, the false promises of prosperity abroad become even more attractive.

Fake travel agents take advantage of this desperation. They promise wealth and stability, only to leave hopeful migrants exposed to dangerous routes and exploitation. The illegal migration trade has now intertwined with human trafficking networks that continue to thrive on the vulnerability of Punjab’s youth. With each deportation, the social and economic fabric of the community is further strained, as families are separated and dreams are left in ruins.

Local community leaders are calling for urgent reforms. They stress the need for improved job opportunities and the development of real infrastructure that can empower young people to become entrepreneurs. The focus, they argue, should be on building a sustainable future within Punjab rather than chasing illusory promises abroad.

The recent deportations—highlighted by the heart-wrenching accounts of Sukhpal Singh and Harpreet Singh—serve as a stark reminder that illegal migration is not a solution. Gunbir Singh, chairman of the Dalbir Foundation, said, “Instead, it is a dangerous path that can lead to unimaginable hardship. It is now more important than ever for both government authorities and community leaders to address these issues head-on, ensuring that Punjab’s youth are offered genuine opportunities to thrive at home.”