Ahmedabad: An online appeal seeking donations for a deported migrant from Gujarat highlights a grave irony: communities in Gujarat that crowdfunded the travel of fellow members to travel to the United States in search of a better future are now pooling their money to help those facing deportation come back home. The online crowdfunding page titled ‘Helping MK Patel Rebuild After Deportation’ had collected only $275 of its $100,000 target through seven donations so far.The appeal says Patel travelled to Ohio hoping to support his family but was detained by US immigration authorities within three months of arrival, and later deported to India. It adds that the sudden detention and deportation caused emotional strain and severe financial hardship for the family. “Patel is a hardworking and caring person who came here with hope and dreams of helping his family,” the appeal reads, adding that the funds are meant to help him restart life in India and support his family members affected by the situation.Such fundraisers are increasing as the United States steps up action against undocumented immigrants under the administration of President Donald Trump. Several Gujaratis facing detention or deportation are turning to community networks and online crowdfunding platforms for financial help. The funds are being used for travel expenses, legal costs and to support families left behind.Sources familiar with the situation said many migrants caught in immigration action are struggling to manage expenses during legal proceedings. “Earlier, communities pooled money to send people to the US. Now, we are seeing a reverse trend: families raising funds to bring their loved ones back after authorities initiate action,” said a source aware of the developments.If migrants are detained and formally deported from detention centres, authorities bear their travel costs, said the authorities. “However, if someone opts for self-deportation, they must arrange and pay for the ticket themselves. Reimbursement is not guaranteed, so they need funds to return to India, and also support family members still living in the US,” a source said.In one case, a man from Mehsana, who allegedly travelled to the US illegally, has been facing deportation proceedings for the past two months. While he waits for a decision, his wife and children remain in the US. His family members in Gujarat have launched a crowdfunding campaign on an online portal, seeking Rs 25 lakh to cover their living expenses. A travel agent based in the US who handles migrant cases said men are often deported sooner than their families. “School-going children and women are generally not deported immediately on humanitarian grounds, so families sometimes remain there even after the main earning member is detained or sent back,” he said.In another instance, a man from Gandhinagar, who allegedly smuggled into the US through Mexico in 2022, was recently detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and deported to India. He had borrowed nearly Rs 50 lakh to finance his journey. With no income after deportation, he is now seeking help from community groups to repay the debt. A source said migrants typically repay such loans within two or three years after settling in the US. “But those being deported now often return without savings and face mounting financial pressure,” the source said.
