Nepali families paid millions to send their sons to US. They ended up in jail

Rain falls steadily outside a small mud house in Rukum East, Nepal, where a middle-aged couple sits by the fire, their conversation subdued by the fate of their son.

“

America?

"America?" the father repeats, his voice slow. "Yes. He’s in jail there."

Nearly 10 million Nepalese rupees, equivalent to about $70,000, were spent to send their son, Sabin (not his real name), to the United States. Instead of a new life, he has spent the past 19 months in a US jail.

“

Yes. He’s in jail there.

The parents, who requested anonymity for fear of further trouble for their son, recounted the arduous journey. Sabin, just 18 when he left, first traveled with his father to Dubai on visit visas. His father returned, leaving Sabin with an agent for 14 months. The journey then continued through Brazil and other countries over four months, finally reaching America on January 6, 2025.

“

We spent nearly Rs10 million, and our son ended up in jail.

Soon after arrival, Sabin called his father, informing him of his arrest and potential jail time. Nearly three months passed before he called again, confirming he was indeed in jail. Sabin's story highlights a growing trend of young Nepalis risking dangerous, irregular routes to the US, driven by promises of work and a better life, often leaving families burdened with immense debt.

“

Bad luck