Death of Paramjit Singh Highlights the Plight of Undocumented Workers in the US
MILPITAS, California (October 28, 2013)—A Sikh male by the name of Paramjit Singh was found dead in Sunnyvale, California. Singh, 35, hung himself at his residence in Sunnyvale, a Silicon Valley suburb.
Singh moved to the Bay Area from India six months ago, seeking a better economic future for his family. Satnam Singh Chahal the executive director North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) stated that Paramjit came to the United States illegally after paying 2,500,000 rupees (~$41,000 USD) to an Agent.
Paramjit is said to have crossed the United States border with Mexico, in a journey that was described as a struggle. After arriving in the United States things didn’t get much better for Singh. Singh found himself battling depression after not being able to find employment.
Singh is survived by his wife, 10 year old daughter, and an 8 year old son who currently lives in the village of Mohablipur near Sultanpur Lodhi District Kapurthala in Punjab State.
[The] body of Paramjit Singh will be sent to his parents’ village for which legal and other formalities are being completed.It is important for all youth in Punjab who are considering illegal immigration to remember that there are tremendous difficulties in obtaining employment in the United States without proper documentation. said Chahal.