Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old grandmother who spent more than 30 years living in the United States, has been deported to India, sparking shock and outrage among the Sikh community.
Escape from Political Turmoil
Ms Kaur relocated to California in 1991 with her two young sons to escape political unrest in Punjab. During her decades in the US, she lived and worked legally while repeatedly applying for asylum, all of which were denied, according to the BBC.
Arrest by ICE Officials
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Ms Kaur on September 8, 2025. Her detention prompted widespread concern over the treatment of elderly immigrants with long-term residency.
Holding Facility in Georgia
Ms Kaur was transferred to a holding facility in Georgia on September 19. She spent 60-70 hours in detention without a proper bed, forced to sleep on the floor despite having undergone double knee replacements.
Allegations of Poor Treatment
Her lawyer, Deepak Ahluwalia, alleged that she was given ice to take medication and denied food she could eat, with guards blaming her for not consuming the provided meals. He described her treatment as “unacceptable.”
ICE Statement
ICE defended the deportation, stating Ms Kaur had “exhausted decades of due process” and that an immigration judge had ordered her removal in 2005. The agency said she had filed multiple appeals, all of which were unsuccessful.
Life in the US
Ms Kaur lived in Hercules, in the San Francisco Bay Area, and worked for 20 years as a sari-store seamstress. She paid taxes and contributed to her community while legally living and working during her asylum process.
Continued Compliance
Despite her appeals being rejected, Ms Kaur continued to reside in the US and complied with immigration requirements, including reporting to authorities every six months.
Arrest During Routine Check-In
She was arrested in San Francisco during a routine check-in with immigration officials, preventing her from returning home or saying farewell to friends and family.
Community Reaction
Her deportation sparked protests and criticism from the Sikh community, who highlighted her long-term legal residency and lack of criminal record.
Broader Context
The deportation comes amid a crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration, which has targeted both alleged illegal immigrants and law-abiding asylum seekers.
Pending Asylum Cases
The US currently has more than 3.7 million asylum cases pending in immigration courts. Critics argue that Ms Kaur’s removal underscores the harsh consequences for those who follow legal procedures.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
Advocates say the case raises serious concerns about the humanitarian treatment of elderly and long-term residents facing deportation.
Emotional Toll
Ms Kaur expressed her distress upon arrival in Delhi, telling Times of India: “After living for so long in the US, you are suddenly detained and deported this way; it is better to die than to face this.”
Legal Background
Ms Kaur’s deportation followed years of legal proceedings, with appeals filed up to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, all of which were denied.
ICE Enforcement Approach
ICE emphasised that its action was the enforcement of US law and the orders issued by the immigration court, adding that her prolonged stay without proper documentation had exhausted available legal remedies.
Ongoing Debate
Her case has reignited debate over US immigration policies, especially regarding elderly immigrants and asylum seekers who have lived and contributed to the country for decades.
