They crossed borders and jungles for America. Many returned afraid to speak

In just a year, hundreds of Nepalis have been deported after paying millions to reach the US through the so-called ‘donkey route’. Why are so few willing to report those who sent them?

For Sandesh, an ambitious man from Dang, life in the village was fine but hardly exciting. Sandesh, now 27, worked the land and earned Rs50,000 a month. The days followed a familiar rhythm. Today was much like tomorrow or the day after. Sandesh had bigger dreams.