Immigration Nightmare: Man with Brain Tumor Faces Deportation Despite Green Card
A 62-year-old Indian national, Paramjit Singh, has been detained in a Kentucky county jail for nearly two months, facing deportation despite holding a green card and suffering from a rapidly advancing brain tumor that is causing him to lose his sight.
According to court documents and interviews with Singh's family, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that Singh is subject to removal due to a forgery conviction. However, Singh's lawyer argues that the government misclassified him and relied on outdated information from a 25-year-old theft conviction, which he had already served his time for.
Singh arrived in the United States over 30 years ago with a green card, seeking to build a family and business empire of gas stations in Indiana. His niece, Kirandeep Kaur, said that Singh is struggling to cope with the situation, telling her "I think I'm just going to give up. I'll never get out of here."
Singh's family claims that he has lost over 20 pounds since his detention and fears dying in custody. The government's case against him appears to be built on sloppy research, with no evidence of a forgery conviction.
The incident raises questions about the efficiency and accuracy of immigration procedures, as well as the treatment of vulnerable individuals within the system. "This is a clear example of how the system can fail," said Singh's lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous. "We're not just talking about a person, we're talking about someone who has been here for decades, built a life, and now faces deportation due to a technicality."
The case also highlights the challenges faced by individuals with complex immigration cases, particularly those with medical conditions that require specialized care. Singh's family is worried that he will not receive the necessary treatment in detention.
As of September 19, 2025, Singh remains detained at the Chicago ICE Detention Center, awaiting a decision on his case. His lawyer plans to appeal the government's decision, citing the lack of evidence and the misclassification of Singh as subject to removal.
The incident has sparked concerns among immigration advocates and experts, who argue that the system needs to be reformed to prevent similar cases in the future. "This is not an isolated incident," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We need to ensure that our immigration system is fair, efficient, and humane."
The case of Paramjit Singh serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges within the US immigration system, highlighting the need for reform and greater accountability.
Background:
Paramjit Singh arrived in the United States over 30 years ago with a green card.
He has been detained at the Chicago ICE Detention Center since July 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security claims that Singh is subject to removal due to a forgery conviction.
Singh's lawyer argues that the government misclassified him and relied on outdated information from a 25-year-old theft conviction.
Additional Perspectives:
Immigration advocates argue that the system needs to be reformed to prevent similar cases in the future.
Experts point out that the case highlights the challenges faced by individuals with complex immigration cases, particularly those with medical conditions that require specialized care.
Current Status and Next Developments:
Singh remains detained at the Chicago ICE Detention Center awaiting a decision on his case.
His lawyer plans to appeal the government's decision, citing the lack of evidence and the misclassification of Singh as subject to removal.
*Reporting by Theintercept.*