Punjab Sees Second Wave of US Deportations Land Amidst Protests
AMRITSAR: In a contentious legal battle between the Indian state of Punjab and the US government, a second US aircraft carrying 116 deported Indian immigrants arrived at Amritsar International Airport late on Saturday night, the second such flight bringing deportees to the same airport since February 5.
CM Mann’s Anger Ignites as Protests Roll On
Addressing the press earlier in the day, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed his scorn, labeling the government’s decision to land the flight in the holy city as an attempt to “tarnish the image of Punjab and Punjabis.” Mann has garnered significant support for his stance, but federal officials have maintained the position that Amritsar is simply the closest convenient airport.
Debate Over Flight’s Destination Heats Up
When potential justifications were raised—that Amritsar is closer to US transit routes than other airports within India—Mann quickly countered. He posited that the same proximity logic should apply for flights departing from the state to the United States and Canada, a demand that reflects ongoing state demands for added travel infrastructure.
Mann Seeks Clarification on Military Plane Landings
The Chief Minister further criticized the United States’ decision to utilize a military C-17 transport aircraft, suggesting civilian flights would be more appropriate. Mann’s rhetorical question posed for added emphasis: “If Vatican City doesn’t allow US military planes on its soil, why should an holy city like Amritsar be any different?”
Ground Transportation and Rehousing Debate
Punjab’s government took swift action, arranging temporary accommodations outside the state for out-of-state deportees. The plan faced criticism with relatives of some deportees expressing dissatisfaction with the lackluster rehabilitation efforts. The state government is responsible for transporting deportees back to their residences, either by air if they’re from outside the state or by road if they’re local.
Financial Hardships Highlighted by Families
The pain of financial loss resounded among deportees’ families. For instance, families of cousins Harjit Singh (22) and Harjot Singh (20) spent over $70,000 on securing legal entry to the US. However, despite these efforts, the young men were deported only ten days after their entry. Their plight has drawn public attention to the broader issue of immigration fraud.
Their uncle, Nishan Singh, highlighted their story, asserting that travel agents made false promises regarding legal entry. The harrowing journey of these young men underscores the risks and financial burdens faced by individuals who attempt to bypass legal immigration processes.
Government Representatives Visit to Mitigate Controversy
In a bid to address public concerns, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Union Junior Minister for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjeet Singh Aujla made appearances at the airport. Mann further revealed that his information on the use of restraints during deportations remained limited, shedding light on the lack of communication between state and federal agencies.
Broader Implications and Future Actions
Mann’s strong stance on deportations reflects a broader dissatisfaction with federal immigration policies and their impacts on the state. The arrival of these flights marks a significant controversy in the state and may influence future interactions between Punjab and the central government on matters related to immigration and deportation.
Such incidents not only shine a spotlight on ongoing immigration challenges but also highlight the need for clearer communication, mutual respect, and potentially revised policies to better manage these sensitive situations.
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