Inhumane Treatment of Indian Student in America: Eyewitness Kunal Reveals Shocking Truth at US Airport

Inhumane Treatment of Indian Student at US Airport: Eyewitness Kunal Reveals the Shocking Truth

The bustling Newark Airport in New Jersey, USA, recently became the center of a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage across the globe. A video circulating on social media shows an Indian student being subjected to inhumane treatment during what appears to be a deportation process. The student, restrained in handcuffs and pinned to the ground, is visibly distressed, crying out for help. This heart-wrenching scene has not only angered the Indian community but has also raised serious questions about the treatment of immigrants at US airports.

The video was shared by Kunal Jain, an Indian-American entrepreneur and author, who witnessed the entire incident firsthand. In his social media post, Kunal tagged India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, urging them to intervene and provide assistance to the young student. His testimony sheds light on the harrowing ordeal faced by the student and reveals a troubling pattern of mistreatment at US ports of entry.

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The Incident Unfolds at Newark Airport

According to Kunal, the incident occurred late at night when he was at Newark Airport. He noticed a young Indian student being restrained by airport security personnel. The student was handcuffed and pinned to the ground, surrounded by multiple officers. He was crying and repeatedly saying, “I am not crazy, please let me talk to someone.” Despite his desperate pleas, no one seemed to understand him, as he was speaking in Hindi—a language unfamiliar to most of the officers present.

Kunal, along with another bystander who happened to be a doctor, offered to help translate and mediate the situation. However, their offers were rejected by the authorities. The officers cleared the area around the student, treating him as if he posed a serious threat. This escalated the situation further, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion.

A Deportation Gone Wrong

Kunal later learned that the student was being deported back to India. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the student allegedly became “violent.” According to Kunal, the student was visibly disoriented and distressed, likely due to the language barrier and the overwhelming circumstances. He began hitting his head on the floor, prompting the officers to restrain him more forcefully. The pilot of the flight, citing concerns for the safety of other passengers, refused to allow the student to board the aircraft.

This decision led to further chaos, as more police officers were called to the scene. Kunal described the scene as “barbaric,” with 8-10 officers surrounding the student, creating the impression that he was a dangerous criminal or even a terrorist. The entire episode was deeply unsettling for Kunal, who could not shake off the image of the young man being treated in such a degrading manner.

The Background: What Went Wrong?

Kunal’s inquiries into the matter revealed a troubling trend at US airports. He learned from an airline employee that incidents like these are not uncommon. Every day, 3-4 cases of deportation occur at Newark Airport alone. These cases often involve students or immigrants who are unable to convince immigration officers at the port of entry about their intentions of visiting the US. Despite having valid visas issued by US embassies in India, many travelers face additional scrutiny upon arrival. Any inconsistency in their responses during the immigration interview can lead to immediate deportation.

In this particular case, it seems the student struggled to communicate effectively with the immigration officers. Miscommunication, possibly exacerbated by his lack of fluency in English, might have led the officers to question his mental stability. At some point, someone reportedly told the student that he appeared “disoriented” or “mentally unstable,” which deeply affected him. This comment seemed to have triggered his repeated cries of “I am not crazy,” as he desperately tried to defend himself.

The Larger Issue: A Pattern of Mistreatment

Kunal’s testimony highlights a much larger issue—systemic mistreatment of immigrants and international students at US ports of entry. He pointed out that the student’s ordeal is not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend. Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable increase in deportation cases, particularly involving Indian students.

The airline employee Kunal spoke to confirmed that many students are sent back to India on the same day they arrive. In most cases, the deportation process is relatively straightforward, provided the individual cooperates. However, when someone becomes distressed or “non-compliant,” the situation escalates, often leading to the kind of inhumane treatment witnessed in this case.

The Psychological Toll on the Student

The psychological impact of this incident on the student cannot be overstated. Being restrained, humiliated, and treated like a criminal in a foreign country would be traumatizing for anyone, let alone a young student far from home. Kunal expressed deep concern for the student’s mental health, wondering how he would cope with the aftermath of such an ordeal.

Adding to the distress is the fact that the student’s parents, back in India, were likely unaware of what was happening to their child. Kunal emphasized the need for better communication and support systems for international students, who often find themselves vulnerable in unfamiliar environments.

The Role of Language and Cultural Barriers

One of the key factors that contributed to the escalation of this incident was the language barrier. The student’s inability to communicate effectively in English left him isolated and misunderstood. Kunal noted that if there had been someone who could speak Hindi, the situation might have been resolved more peacefully. Instead, the lack of cultural sensitivity and understanding on the part of the authorities only made matters worse.

This incident underscores the importance of providing language support and cultural training for immigration officers. It also highlights the need for international students to be better prepared for the challenges they might face upon arrival in a foreign country.

Public Outrage and Calls for Action

The video shared by Kunal has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for accountability and immediate action. The Indian community in the US, as well as people back in India, have expressed their anger and disappointment over the incident. Many have urged the Indian government to take up the matter with US authorities and ensure better treatment of Indian citizens abroad.

Kunal himself has been vocal about the need for systemic changes. He has called on the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and provide assistance to the student. He has also urged the US government to address the issues of mistreatment and bias at its ports of entry.

What Needs to Change?

This incident is a wake-up call for both the US and India to address the challenges faced by international students and immigrants. Some key steps that can be taken include:

Improved Training for Immigration Officers: Officers need to be trained in cultural sensitivity and effective communication to prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary escalations.
Language Support: Airports should have translators or staff who can assist travelers in their native languages.
Better Awareness for Students: Indian students traveling abroad should be educated about the immigration process and potential challenges they might face.
Stronger Diplomatic Efforts: The Indian government must actively engage with US authorities to ensure the fair treatment of its citizens.

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Conclusion: A Call for Justice

The inhumane treatment of the Indian student at Newark Airport is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants and international students. While the specifics of the student’s case are still unclear, one thing is certain—no one deserves to be treated with such cruelty and disrespect.

As the video continues to circulate online, it is crucial for both governments to take action and ensure that incidents like this do not happen again. For now, the world watches and waits, hoping that justice will be served and that the young student will find the support he needs to recover from this traumatic experience.