Donald Trump seals thousands of Indians’ ‘donkey route’ to their US dream

US Border Security Overhaul: President Trump Takes Action on First Day in Office

In a move that has already sparked intense debate, newly elected US President Donald Trump used his first hours in office to declare a national emergency on border security. Announced by Trump on Monday night, this action underlines his administration’s commitment to addressing illegal migration and drug trafficking at the US-Mexico border.

Donald Trump declared a national emergency

During his inaugural address, Trump stated, “I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will be immediately halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of illegal aliens back to the places from which they came.”

This decisive step, encapsulated in a series of executive orders, is also seen as a prelude to Trump’s more stringent immigration policies. Notably, these measures could include the controversial proposal to end birthright citizenship for certain children of foreign nationals, which would reshape immigration norms in the United States.

India’s Role in Cross-Border Migration

Among those affected by these policies by Trump are Indian nationals who, over recent years, have increasingly turned to the US-Mexico border as a route to illegal entry. According to US Customs and Border Protection, 96,917 Indians were apprehended or deported in 2023 for attempting to cross into the United States illegally, a significant rise from 30,662 in 2021.

The surge is not limited to the southern border. In 2023 alone, 30,010 Indians were stopped at the US-Canada border, highlighting a trend that spans the entirety of North America.

The ‘Donkey Route’: A Path Fraught with Peril

Much of this migration follows what is colloquially known as the “donkey route.” Derived from the Punjabi term “dunki,” meaning “to hop from place to place,” this pathway involves navigating a complex network of transit points across Latin America.

Key Steps in the Donkey Route:

  1. Initial Entry: Many migrants begin their journey by acquiring tourist visas for countries like Ecuador or Bolivia, where visa requirements for Indians are less stringent.
  2. Transit Points: Migrants pass through countries such as Colombia and traverse the hazardous Darién Gap, a lawless expanse of jungle separating Colombia and Panama.
  3. Final Stretch: The journey concludes at the US-Mexico border, often facilitated by smugglers who coach migrants on false asylum claims.

The entire process is both time-consuming and costly, with families often spending upwards of ₹50–85 lakh. Despite the risks, many see this route as a necessary gamble for a better future.

Challenges of Illegal Migration

The journey is fraught with significant risks:

  • Physical Dangers: Harsh weather conditions, lack of food, and disease are common threats.
  • Exploitation: Migrants are frequently subject to robbery, assault, and abuse by smugglers or criminal gangs.
  • Emotional Toll: Even after reaching the United States, many migrants face language barriers, inadequate housing, and mental health struggles.

Tragic incidents, such as the death of an Indian family near the US-Canada border in January 2022, underscore the human cost of these journeys.

Why Indians Are Turning to Illegal Routes

The increase in illegal migration can be attributed to multiple factors:

  • Unemployment and Underemployment: Despite India’s declining unemployment rate, rural joblessness and a lack of well-paying opportunities persist.
  • Aspiration for a Better Life: Many migrants aim to support their families through remittances, often sending home ₹2 lakh monthly from jobs in the US.
  • Backlogged Legal Pathways: US visa processing delays and stringent quotas have driven frustrated applicants to seek alternative routes.

Also Read:Rasammah Bhupalan: From Freedom Fighter to Women’s Rights Advocate

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