‘Our American dream shattered’: Gujarat families deported by Trump govt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwrUv7mhxco newslaundry
Newslaundry met six families from Mehsana, Gandhinagar, and Sabarkantha in Gujarat who had attempted the illegal journey. Some families had five or six members. One 60-year-old man travelled with five relatives – half of whom were already living in the US illegally.
Most families refused to speak. A family of five from Mehsana declined to comment, saying their son was mentally distressed after being deported. Others offered excuses or declined outright. Two individuals agreed to speak anonymously, saying they had been warned not to talk to journalists.
Kalol in Gandhinagar district is a hub for illegal migration to the US, with many surrounding villages having over half their populations settled there. From this region, Sunil Gohil* and his wife Naina* attempted the journey with their three-year-old child. This was their second attempt. In early 2024, they had reached Turkey but were forced to return after the route ahead closed.
In contrast to other states, Gujarat-based agents cover all expenses until the individual reaches the US; families pay only after arrival. As a result, those deported from Gujarat haven’t spent a rupee.
Illegal migration from Gujarat to the US is widespread. To understand what the government is doing, we sought a meeting with Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi. After waiting an hour, officials told us they would get back to us – no meeting was granted.
A Gujarat police officer told us no cases have been registered because no complaints were made. “Those who left had legal tourist visas,” he said. But when asked who issued the visas, he named individuals who don’t exist. In Gujarat, agents are often family members.
The officer also mentioned an unusual trend: “No one is planning to go to America for the next six months. Astrologers here say Trump won’t remain President, and only then will the routes open up again.”