Early Life and Move to the US
Harjit Kaur originally comes from Punjab, India. In 1991, she moved to California along with her two young sons. She left India to escape political unrest and to give her children a safer environment and better opportunities.
Once in the US, Kaur worked hard to support her family. She took up various jobs, contributed to the community, and raised her children while also trying to establish a secure life for herself. Over the years, she applied for asylum multiple times, hoping to get permanent protection in the US. Unfortunately, all her asylum applications were denied.
Despite these setbacks, Kaur continued to live legally in the US under temporary permits. She followed all immigration rules carefully, including regular check-ins with the authorities, and remained a law-abiding resident for decades.
Arrest and Detention
Everything changed on 8 September 2025 when ICE officials arrived to arrest her. The sudden action caused immense shock and distress for her family. She was transferred to a detention center in Georgia on 19 September. Finally, on 22 September, she was deported to India. She was not allowed to visit her home, pack her belongings properly, or bid farewell to her friends and neighbours whom she had lived with for over 30 years.
Her lawyer, Deepak Ahluwalia, condemned the way she was treated during detention. He said that Kaur, despite being 73 years old and having undergone double knee replacement surgeries, was forced to sleep on the floor for 60–70 hours. She was only given ice to take her medications and was not provided with food she could eat comfortably. According to her lawyer, this treatment was “unacceptable” and highlighted serious human rights concerns.
ICE’s Response
In response, ICE stated that Harjit Kaur had “exhausted decades of due process.” They mentioned that an immigration judge had already ordered her removal in 2005. ICE also said that she had filed multiple appeals, including to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, but lost each time. The agency emphasized that it was simply enforcing the law and the court’s orders, and that all legal remedies had been exhausted.
Community Reaction
The news of her deportation quickly spread, leading to protests and widespread sympathy, especially among the Sikh community in California. Many people criticized the deportation, saying it was unfair to someone who had lived peacefully in the US for over 30 years, had no criminal record, paid taxes, and contributed to society. Community members expressed frustration at what they see as a harsh approach to immigrants who have followed all legal procedures.
Harjit Kaur’s Personal Struggle
After arriving in Delhi, Kaur spoke to local media about the emotional impact of her deportation. She said, “After living in the US for so many years, to be suddenly detained and sent back like this is heartbreaking. It feels like my entire life there has been erased.” Her story resonates with many other long-term immigrants who face uncertainty despite abiding by immigration laws.
Wider Context
The deportation comes amid an intensified US crackdown on asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants. Hundreds of thousands of asylum applications are pending in US courts, and stricter policies have increasingly targeted immigrants who have lived in the country for decades. Critics argue that such policies risk separating families and undermining communities, while supporters emphasize the need to enforce immigration laws consistently.
Harjit Kaur’s story has emerged as a powerful example of the human cost of these policies, drawing attention both in India and abroad. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by older immigrants who have spent a lifetime abroad but remain vulnerable to deportation.