Haryana Youths’ ‘Dunki’ Dream Ends in US Deportation
Over 50 Haryana youths attempted to enter the United States through the illegal dunki route, a dangerous path often used by migrants seeking better opportunities. Their Haryana youths dunki route journey ended in tragedy — after 14 months in U.S. detention, they were deported back to India.
The group included 16 from Karnal, 14 from Kaithal, five from Kurukshetra, three from Jind, and others from Ambala and Panipat. They returned to Delhi last week, tired and handcuffed.
The ‘Dunki’ Route: A Shortcut with Heavy Costs
The word ‘dunki’ or donkey route describes illegal travel through Latin American countries like Ecuador, Panama, and Mexico. Human traffickers use these routes to smuggle people into the US.
The 2023 Bollywood film Dunki showed the emotional side of such journeys. In reality, they are far more dangerous.
One of the deportees, Naresh Kumar from Kaithal, shared his painful story.
“I sold my farmland and paid an agent ₹57 lakh to reach the US,” he said. “Instead of safety, I ended up in jail for 14 months.”
The agent kept demanding more money. Kumar paid ₹42 lakh in India, ₹6 lakh in Guatemala, and ₹6 lakh in Mexico. He gave the rest before crossing the border. US officials arrested him soon after he entered.
Now back home, he wants strict action against the agent. He has also urged others not to risk their lives for such illegal journeys.
Police Caution and Ongoing Checks
At Delhi Airport, a Chief Minister’s squad met the deported youths. Officers later handed them over to their families.
Kaithal SP Upasana confirmed that police were checking each person’s background. One deportee already had a criminal record.
Jind SP Kuldeep Singh warned residents about the growing trend.
“The dunki route is a crime,” he said. “It ruins lives, destroys families, and drains savings.”
He explained that many migrants face fraud, violence, or death along the way. Singh advised all youths to travel legallythrough valid visas and approved programs.
Illegal Migration on the Rise
Illegal migration from Haryana, Punjab, and Gujarat has risen sharply in recent years. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported over 96,000 Indian migrants caught in 2023. Many of them used the dunki route through Latin America.
Experts blame unemployment, fake promises by agents, and social pressure to settle abroad. Families often sell land or take loans to fund these risky trips. Some migrants never return.
Haryana Police plan to crack down on illegal travel agents. Officials have urged residents to verify agents before paying any money.
The Harsh Reality
The stories of these deported youths reveal the dark side of illegal migration. The “dunki dream” may promise success, but it often ends in loss, jail, or death.
A legal visa may take longer, but it remains the only safe path to build a future abroad.
A seasoned journalist with over 30 years of rich and diverse experience in print and electronic media, Prabha’s professional stints include working with Sahara English Magazine, Pioneer and JAIN TV and All India Radio. She has also been writing in Pioneer. She has also produced several documentary films through her self-owned production house Gajpati Communications. She is also the Station Director of Aligarh-based FM Radio Station, and the General Secretary of WADA NGO.
