From hope to humiliation: Realities of deportation under Trump’s illegal immigration crackdown

Published on Authored by Sudipto Maity

The American Dream has long been a symbol of hope, a beacon of possibility that anyone, no matter their background, could rise above their circumstances with hard work and determination. But for many, that dream is now a bitter memory — especially for those deported from the United States in the wake of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Illegal immigrants boarding a US Army flight. Photo courtesy: Screengrab from X
Illegal immigrants boarding a US Army flight. Photo courtesy: Screengrab from X

Late on Sunday, February 16, a U.S. military plane touched down in India’s Amritsar, carrying 112 deported individuals. It was the third such plane in recent weeks, part of an ongoing deportation wave that has left many grappling with shattered aspirations. 

This process isn’t new, but the political climate under Trump’s administration has brought a sharp spotlight to it, dividing public opinion and intensifying the emotions surrounding deportation. While addressing the Rajya Sabha just days ago, EAM Jaishankar said that deportation isn’t new and is part of an ongoing process. He also shared the numbers. 

In 2009, the number of deportees were 734, in 2010 it was 799, in 2011 it was 597, in 2012 it was 530, in 2013 it was 515, in 2014 it was 591, 2015 it was 708.

Akshobh Giridharadas, a geopolitical analyst in Washington, D.C., sheds light on the evolving definition of the American Dream. “The American Dream,” he says, “was the biggest example of American soft power”. 

Speaking to Connected to India’s Sudipto Maity, he says it was the belief that anyone, from any corner of the globe, could come to America and find success.

Akshobh Giridharadas is a former Singapore-based journalist and Geopolitical Analyst in Washington, DC. Photo courtesy: Akshobh Giridharadas
Akshobh Giridharadas is a former Singapore-based journalist and Geopolitical Analyst in Washington, DC. Photo courtesy: Akshobh Giridharadas

The U.S. welcomed immigrants from every culture, and regardless of where they came from, they could call themselves American. However, the past few years have marked a stark departure from that ethos.

ALSO READ: Third batch of 112 Indians deported from US arrives in Amritsar

Giridharadas argues that the Dream has eroded for many. Immigrants who once saw America as a land of opportunity now face a harsher reality. “Getting a good degree from a good school, is no longer a guarantor of getting a job, let alone getting that job that agrees to sponsor your visa, and ergo, your American Dream is not even born, let alone having taken off. The American Dream was also in its halcyon days for the Boomers and Gen X’ers, the post-war generation. Since the financial crisis of 2008, and then the pandemic, more fissures are being exacerbated in the American economy,” he says.

When asked why there’s so much noise and interest regarding the recent deportations, while the practice has existed for a long time, he says, “There is more noise because of the optics on Trump wanting to take a harsh stance on immigration. Previous administrations handled it more deftly and subtly. But there is a bit of a dog and pony show made out of it. For instance, during the State Visit in 2023, a comprehensive joint statement and the meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden didn’t reveal any umbrage from the American side on illegal or undocumented migrants. In fact, immigration issues brought up were all a one-way street, with India arguing for more H-1Bs and NIVs (non-immigrant visas) and domestic renewal.”

“The Americans made no public mention of a large number of illegal migrants, which India does have a sizable chunk of. But Trump ran on a campaign of deporting mass illegal migrants and many of his critiques were on his political rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, who he dubbed as the “border czar” and hit her hard during the campaign trail for her failure to stem the situation on the southern border with mass illegal migration. Trump is also playing up to his domestic audience, to show this footage to rally the multitude. That’s always been Trump’s style. Bombast and aplomb,” he adds.

The deportations, however, bring more than just a loss of opportunity — they highlight the desperation that drives many to take immense risks in the hope of a better life. For some deportees, the journey to America was fraught with peril. They sold their land, borrowed massive sums of money, and trusted agents who promised them a better future — only to be caught in a harsh cycle of exploitation and eventual deportation.

Illegal immigrants waiting to be deported. Photo courtesy: x.com/explorertalez8
Illegal immigrants waiting to be deported. Photo courtesy: x.com/explorertalez8

Some of these deportees had invested over INR 41 lakhs (approx. $47,270) in the dream of a life in America. Yet, despite these sacrifices, their hopes ended in shackles and humiliation at the hands of U.S. authorities. 

While some argue that deportation is simply the consequence of breaking the law, others see a deeper moral dilemma. The treatment of deportees — especially those shackled and denied freedom of movement — has sparked intense debate. 

Asked if it was wise of the refugees to move to the US at a time when the change of administration and ruling party was evident, coupled with the fact that the probable candidate has a history of carrying out deportations, he says, “They’re economic refugees in search of greener pastures. So, their situation was already so dire, and are people who are devoid of formal education, to perhaps know who the POTUS is and what executives are or what they mean. So, it’s perhaps not wise to think they can make educated guesses when they don’t have the formality of an education system. They’re not people like you and me, and our privilege helps us understand policy.”

“As you point out, they’re cheated by agents who promise them greener pastures, hoodwink them, and assure them safety of passage. So they’re most likely the pawns in a mendacious game of immigration chess,” Giridharadas adds.

ALSO READ: US Border Patrol shares video of chained Indian migrants during deportation 

The pain of these deportees goes beyond the loss of opportunity; it speaks to a larger human tragedy. “Being arrested is one thing,” Giridharadas states, “dehumanization is not just demeaning but revolting.” 

International humanitarian law dictates that all individuals, regardless of their status, must be treated with dignity and respect. The shackling and humiliation of these deportees is a stark reminder that, in the pursuit of enforcing immigration law, empathy and humanity can be lost.

For these individuals, the idea of “America” no longer represents the land of opportunity. It’s a place that now seems more like a land of broken promises, where their dreams were never meant to take flight. 

Yet, as Akshobh Giridharadas notes, the ultimate tragedy lies not in the deportation itself, but in the fact that these individuals were never truly given a fair shot at the Dream in the first place.