Deportation of Goans highlights dangerous, expensive route to the US via Mexico
VASCO
The recent deportation of two Goans from the United States has brought to light a large-scale illegal migration scam, exposing how agents exploit desperate job seekers and promise them entry into the US via Mexico.
The victims, who attempted to illegally cross the Mexico-US border, were caught by US authorities and deported to India. Upon their return to Goa, one of the deported victims filed a complaint at Vasco Police Station against Stanley George, a New Vaddem-based agent operating under Captain George Consultancy Services.
According to the complaint, George was accused of taking Rs 18.5 lakh from the two victims, promising them jobs in the US hospitality sector. The complainant claimed the recruitment agent had the knowledge that he would cause them wrongful loss, and further sent them to Mexico to illegally cross over into the USA, where they were intercepted by US Border officials and deported back to India, thereby cheating the complainant and the other youth to the tune of Rs 18.5 lakh.
Vasco Police registered an FIR against George under Section 420 of the IPC (cheating) and Sections 10 & 24 of the Emigration Act, 1983. George is presently reported to be out of station.
Mexico-US migration network
While illegal migration through the Mexico route is not a new phenomenon, sources familiar with the system claim that every client is fully aware of the risks before embarking on the journey.
“No one is ever promised a job in the US,” a source told 'The Goan'. “Clients are only assisted until Mexico. It is up to them to cross the border and make their own way. Agents make it clear that their role ends once the person reaches Mexico.”
Most people who choose this route do so after hearing success stories from friends and family members who have already made it to the US. This word-of-mouth network fuels the demand for agents who specialise in arranging Mexico-bound travel under the guise of shipping-related jobs.
Step-by-step breakdown
The source informed that the illegal migration scam generally follows a process and the common route is via a “shipping job”.
1. Initial contact with an Agent: The agent is approached directly or through a referral from someone who has already migrated. The cost of the process, which is about Rs 15 lakh, is explained, with part payments required at different stages.
2. Fake seafarer documentation: The client must complete STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) courses, which are mandatory for anyone joining a ship. If the client cannot clear these courses, agents arrange for completion through other means in Mumbai, for an extra cost.
3. Passport, CDC, and visa processing: A Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), necessary for seafarers, is obtained. The agent secures a shipping job offer letter from a shipping company, complete with port details. The client then receives a Mexico visa under the pretext of joining a ship there.
4. Flight route and arrival in Mexico: The standard travel route is Goa-Mumbai-Istanbul-Mexico City. Upon arrival in Mexico, another agent receives them and takes them to Tijuana, near the US border. A different agent in Tijuana then guides them to the Mexico-US border.
5. The final crossing: This involves a dangerous gamble. Clients must cross the border themselves—often by running, crossing rivers, or evading border patrol. Some have preferred to get caught on purpose and then claim asylum in the US. If successful, they are either granted asylum or detained in a camp for further processing. If denied, they are deported to the country of their origin.
High stakes
The source said the cost of illegal entry into the US through this network is steep. The usual breakdown of payments is approximately as follows: Rs 3 lakh – Initial payment to start the process; Rs 5 lakh – After visa stamping; Rs 2 lakh – Upon ticket booking; Rs 2 lakh – At the time of flight departure; Rs 3 lakh – Paid after successfully entering the US
Refund policy
If a person is deported, the agent deducts about Rs 6 lakh for visa and flight costs and returns the remaining amount. However, clients must accept this risk before committing the payment.
“Many agents even offer a ‘pay later’ scheme for poor persons, where a person can pay Rs 7 lakh upfront and the rest after finding a job in the US," a source revealed. "However, many people who successfully migrate fail to pay the remaining amount, leaving agents at a loss."
US border crossings
In previous years, illegal migration through Mexico was relatively easier. Agents had connections at the border, and getting caught was actually the goal—as asylum seekers were often allowed to stay in the US after brief detention.
However, after Donald Trump’s election as president, US immigration policies became significantly stricter. Agents could no longer rely on border officials turning a blind eye. This led to a decline in successful crossings, and many agents stopped their operations altogether.
"Before, the trick was to get caught, claim persecution in India, and be granted asylum," an insider revealed. "Agents even trained people on what to say when caught—how to play the victim card."
But after the Trump administration tightened border security, many who attempted the crossing were deported, including the two Goans who exposed this scam.
Calls for crackdown
Vasco police are investigating the role of Stanley George, but his whereabouts remain unknown. Meanwhile, other agents operating similar schemes continue to exploit desperate individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
The Mexico route remains a dangerous, costly, and uncertain method of entering the US. While some succeed, many face deportation, financial ruin, and legal troubles.
As governments tighten migration policies, the risks associated with such journeys continue to rise. Authorities have urged people to be cautious and not fall prey to agents promising easy entry into the US. The only legal way to migrate is through proper visa channels—anything else is a gamble with money, and life.
