NEW DELHI: Glorifying Illegal Immigration? Deported from the US Satpal Singh, an illegal immigrant, recounted his harrowing journey at the “India Today Conclave 2025.”
He spent “₹55 lakh” and endured “eight months of hardship” before being “deported from the US on February 28.” His story sheds light on the perils of illegal migration.
Speaking with “India Today,” Singh described the “betrayal by agents, brutal detention conditions, and financial devastation.” His experience serves as a “cautionary tale” for those contemplating illegal migration.
However, the media’s portrayal of his struggles has sparked a heated debate online.
“Mohandas Pai Calls Out ‘Victimhood Narrative’”
Entrepreneur “Mohandas Pai” criticized the media’s framing of illegal migrants as victims. Quoting “India Today’s tweet” about Singh’s ordeal, Pai wrote on “X (formerly Twitter):”
@sardesairajdeep why are you glorifying a person who paid huge sums for human trafficking, broke laws, went illegally and was deported, and creating a victimhood narrative? Big shame! They were not duped. They knew it was illegal, paid huge sums. If they had invested this money… https://t.co/Ft2xPvtyPc
— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) March 8, 2025
“Why are you glorifying a person who paid huge sums for human trafficking, broke laws, went illegally and was deported, and creating a victimhood narrative? Big shame! They were not duped. They knew it was illegal, paid huge sums. If they had invested this money here they would be well off. Pl stop promoting such illegal activities by glorifying them.”
His statement ignited a broader discussion on “personal responsibility in illegal migration.” Should media reports emphasize “the hardships faced by deported migrants,” or should they highlight “the conscious choice to violate immigration laws?”
“Illegal Route, Harsh Consequences”
Singh claimed he was “misled by an agent” who assured him of a “legal pathway to the US.” He was first sent to “Suriname,” where his phone was confiscated, making him realize he was on an “unauthorized route.”
After spending time in “detention in San Diego, California,” he was “deported via Panama,” where he alleged that “only Indian detainees were shackled.”
Glorifying Illegal Immigration? The issue remains “a dangerous, costly, and unlawful pursuit.”
While Singh’s story highlights the harsh realities faced by deportees, Pai’s remarks push for a different perspective: “should media stop portraying them as victims and instead focus on the repercussions of illegal actions?”
