The Donkey Route

Subject : IR

Section: Msc

Context: Theme of SRK’s ‘Dunki’

What is Donkey Route:

The “donkey route” to the United States involves migrants traveling through Latin American countries to reach the US border.
The journey often starts in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, or Guyana, where Indian citizens can obtain visas easily.
The route includes crossing the dangerous Darién Gap, a forested area between Colombia and Panama, facing risks such as lack of clean water, wildlife, and criminal gangs.
From Panama, migrants are often routed through Guatemala to enter Mexico and eventually reach the US border, facing challenges like jumping fences and crossing the Rio Grande river.
The journey is expensive, ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, and involves coordination with human trafficking networks.
Agents in India collaborate with traffickers along the entire route to the US.
Despite the dangers, many migrants continue to take this perilous journey in pursuit of the American Dream.