Disturbing news continues to come one after another. Samir Pandey (name changed) from Ghorahi, who landed in the US six months ago through the ‘donkey route,’ came in contact with journalists back home to inform them that he has been hiding in his room for two weeks. He is unable to report to work. Rajan KC (name changed) also remains holed up alongside. Both Pandey and KC come from the mid-western district of Dang. Together they reportedly "invested" over Rs 14 million to pursue their American Dream. The journey to California, it may be understood, was quite an ordeal for the two. After months of perilous journey through the uncertainties they crossed over the border to the US via Mexico. The two traversed continents, like hundreds of others from Nepal and many other parts of the lesser world. Their tales of travels and travails have been told umpteen times but illegal migration continues to go unchecked. Illegal immigration routes have caught the imagination of Nepali youths, perhaps inspired by a couple of "success stories" the two might have heard or come across. Both Pandey and KC anxiously worry that their US stay could end abruptly and fear being deported; yet, they cannot not hold on to the hopes that their situation may improve.
The US government's latest policy classifies Pandey and KC as undocumented. The two, and hundreds of others, are living in constant fear that they may just be rounded up and deported under the US President Donald Trump's policy: deporting a population of at least 11 million people lacking permanent legal status and facing the possibility of removal.
Thousands of Nepali students go abroad for higher studies annually. Thousands of others somehow manage to sneak into Europe, many on valid work permits. Unable to find jobs and other income generating opportunities at home, several Nepali youths come in contact with nefarious gangs involved in human trafficking. The naïve adults are lured by prospects of better life opportunities once they arrive in the US or Canada. There have been cases where the miscreants have pocketed huge sums of money and just left the gullible adults stranded in the middle of their journey. Yet, the government agencies in Nepal have either failed to crack down on the organized groups of people, or just ignored – whatever may be the reasons behind. It cannot go on like this forever. It is high time the government identified hotspots and launched awareness campaigns targeting the potential groups of people high at risk of illegal immigration. Also, the government should engage in serious homework to forge an international alliance to fight such global scourge.
The root causes of this issue need to be addressed as well. Economic instability and lack of job opportunities in Nepal force many youths to take desperate measures. Improving the domestic job market, providing vocational training, and creating economic opportunities are essential steps to reduce the appeal of illegal migration. Strengthening border security and enhancing collaboration with international law enforcement agencies can help curb human trafficking networks. Additionally, diplomatic efforts should be made to negotiate bilateral agreements with countries that are common destinations for illegal migrants, ensuring the protection and legal rights of Nepali citizens abroad. By taking comprehensive and coordinated actions, the government can mitigate the risks associated with illegal migration and provide safer, legal avenues for its citizens to seek better opportunities abroad.