Chandigarh, 5 February 2025: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has urged the Punjab government to establish a rehabilitation fund to support youth being deported from the United States, warning that failure to address their reintegration could lead to social and economic challenges.
NAPA executive director Satnam Singh Chahal, in a statement on Wednesday, mentioned that without proper support, these returnees could struggle with unemployment, mental health issues, and potential involvement in illegal activities. “Neglecting this growing crisis will only deepen Punjab’s problems,” he said.
The appeal comes as a U.S. military plane carrying 104 illegal immigrants from Punjab and Haryana is expected to land at Amritsar airport on Wednesday afternoon.
Many of these individuals, Chahal noted, left their homes chasing better prospects but now return with shattered hopes, financial distress, and psychological trauma.
“The government must ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into society,” he said, urging Punjab authorities to allocate funds for skill development, employment opportunities, and mental health counseling to help them rebuild their lives.
He also called on policymakers to collaborate with organizations like NAPA to formulate effective strategies.
“This is not just an individual issue but a societal one. If we fail to act now, the consequences will be dire, affecting both the youth and Punjab’s social fabric and economy,” he warned.
The deportations follow a crackdown on illegal immigrants by U.S. law enforcement agencies after Donald Trump took office last month. Many Punjabis, who had spent large sums to enter the U.S. through unauthorized routes, now face forced return.
