Deportation Proceedings Raise Questions About DHS's Handling of Immigration Cases
A 60-year-old Indian national with a green card is facing deportation to India despite having a brain tumor that has left him nearly blind. Paramjit Singh, who arrived in the United States over 30 years ago, was detained by immigration authorities on July 25, 2025, and has been held at a county jail in Kentucky since then.
According to his lawyer, Singh's case is built on sloppy research by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency misclassified him as subject to removal, citing a 25-year-old theft conviction. However, an immigration judge found that Singh had served his time and was eligible for relief. Despite this, DHS pointed to a forgery case that appears to be non-existent.
"I think the government is trying to find any reason to deport him," said Singh's lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous. "They're not taking into account his medical condition or the fact that he has a green card."
Singh's family is worried about his health and well-being. His niece, Kirandeep Kaur, told The Intercept that her uncle is going blind due to the rapidly advancing brain tumor and fears he will die in detention.
"He's lost over 20 pounds since he's been detained," Kaur said. "He's very weak and can barely talk anymore. He just says 'I think I'm going to give up. I'll never get out of here.'"
The case has raised questions about the DHS's handling of immigration cases, particularly those involving individuals with medical conditions. Immigration advocates argue that the agency is prioritizing deportation over providing necessary medical care.
"This is a classic example of how the government is using deportation as a tool to control people," said an immigration advocate who wished to remain anonymous. "They're not taking into account the human cost of their actions."
The case has also sparked concerns about the use of AI in immigration proceedings. While AI can help streamline and speed up the process, it can also lead to errors and misclassifications.
"The use of AI in immigration cases raises serious questions about accountability and transparency," said a technology expert who wished to remain anonymous. "If an algorithm is making decisions that affect people's lives, we need to make sure it's accurate and fair."
The current status of Singh's case is unclear, but his lawyer plans to appeal the decision. The DHS has declined to comment on the case.
Background:
Paramjit Singh arrived in the United States with a green card in 1992, seeking to build a family and business empire in Indiana. He worked hard to establish himself as a successful businessman, owning several gas stations in the state.
However, his life took a turn for the worse when he was convicted of theft in 1999. Despite serving his time, Singh's conviction has been cited by DHS as grounds for deportation.
Additional Perspectives:
Immigration advocates argue that the case highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform. "This is not just about one individual, it's about the thousands of people who are being deported every year without due process," said an immigration advocate.
The use of AI in immigration proceedings has also raised concerns among civil liberties groups. "We need to be careful when using technology to make decisions that affect people's lives," said a technology expert.
Next Developments:
Singh's lawyer plans to appeal the decision, citing errors and misclassifications by DHS. The case is expected to go before an immigration judge in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Singh's family continues to fight for his release. "We just want him to come home," said Kaur. "He's not a threat to anyone, he's just a sick man who needs medical care."
*Reporting by Theintercept.*