The dreamers in danger at Gujarat’s gateway to US | Ground report

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In March, a family of four from Gujarat’s Mehsana died while allegedly trying to cross the US-Canada border illegally. But it wasn’t the first such case.

When the United States eased its immigration policy in the 60s, it triggered a wave of legal migration by highly-qualified Indians, followed by their families. And in Gujarat, over the years, it was the Patidar community – commonly using Patel as a surname – which was most influenced by this rising American dream, and eventually carved a formidable niche for itself in the Indian diaspora story.
A story about an American dream that’s now turning into a nightmare for many, with a rise in illegal immigration, from India and Gujarat.

The deaths last week at the US-Canada border are similar to the episode involving another family from Dingucha village in Kalol of Gandhinagar in January last year.

In hundreds of villages dotting the dusty landscape of northern Gujarat, one family after another recalls memories of separation from their loved ones, and economic prosperity that’s become a cross to bear. At the same time, this trafficking, or kabootarbazi, as it is known in Gujarat, remains shrouded in secrecy, with barely any convictions.

Newslaundry visits several villages across the state to understand the motive and methods behind this pattern.

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