The tragic deaths of two Indian migrants at the US-Mexico border have sparked a wave of despair in their home state of Gujarat.
The bodies of two young men, identified as 22-year-old Pankajkumar Patel and 24-year-old Hardik Patel, were found in the Arizona desert on Sunday. They had been attempting to cross the border illegally.
The news has sent shockwaves through the small village of Vadu in Gujarat, where the two men were from.
“It’s a tragedy,” said one local resident. “These boys were so young and had so much to live for. It’s heartbreaking.”
The two men had left their homes in Gujarat in search of a better life in the United States. They had been promised jobs in the US, but had been unable to obtain legal visas.
The deaths of the two men have highlighted the dangers of illegal immigration, and the desperation of those who attempt it.
“It’s a reminder of the risks that people take when they try to cross the border illegally,” said one immigration lawyer. “It’s a tragedy that these two young men lost their lives in pursuit of a better life.”
The deaths have also sparked a debate in India about the need for better economic opportunities at home.
“It’s a tragedy that these young men felt they had no other option but to risk their lives in pursuit of a better life,” said one political analyst. “It’s a reminder that India needs to do more to create jobs and opportunities for its citizens.”
The deaths of the two men have left their families and friends in Gujarat in mourning.
“It’s a tragedy,” said one friend. “These boys were so young and had so much to live for. We will never forget them.”