Dunki Diaries: The Rise of Maverick Migration Influencers Sharing Untold Tales

In a world filled with influencers documenting every facet of their lives, a unique breed has emerged – the Dunki Influencers. These daring individuals are taking to YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to document their unconventional migration journeys, sharing tips and tales of traversing the Panama jungle and the US-Mexico border.

2 Numbari USA Wala

Meet Jaspal Sharma, aka ‘2 Numbari USA Wala,’ a Dunki Influencer with half a million views on his videos about the trials and tribulations of four Indian migrants facing the ‘mafia’ in the Panama jungle. Today, Jaspal holds a work permit in California, a long journey from the challenges in his year-old video series but his passion for content creation persists.

The Dunki Phenomenon Goes Pop-Cultural

Thanks to influencers like Sharma, the Dunki phenomenon is becoming pop culture, especially with references in movies like “Dunki” by Rajkumar Hirani. Unlike legal migration, termed ‘1 Numbari,’ these influencers are embracing ‘2 Numbari’ or Dunki Flights, shedding light on the perceived illegality and danger that surrounds their journeys.

On social media, hashtags like ‘USAdonkey,’ ‘dunki,’ and ‘2numbari’ are gaining traction, drawing audiences into the allure of these risky ventures.

The Dunki Journey and Social Media

Jaspal’s migration journey started after unsuccessful attempts to migrate to Australia through legal channels. Prompted by the farmers’ protests, he began vlogging, turning his journey into content. Despite challenges, he continued documenting his trip, eventually landing a work permit in California.

Live streams by influencers like ‘Technical Gill’ engage thousands, addressing queries about routes, agents, and financial requirements for the journey. Gill, settled in Mexico since 2016, shares border crossings and risks faced on the route from South America to the US, providing valuable insights for migrants.

Ankush Malik, another Dunki Influencer, shares the undocumented side of immigration from India to the US. Ankush’s videos showcase the nitty-gritty of the journey, celebrating milestones like receiving a work permit.

Profits and Risks `

Influencers like Malik and Sharma are not just shaping aspirations but also profiting from their risky endeavors. Deswal, a Dunki migrant now working in California, acknowledges the financial motivations behind running YouTube channels.

While Dunki influencers are reaping profits, the fear and stigma of illegality persist. Some migrants, like Krishan Khatkar, avoid commenting on their journeys to protect their migration plans.

Agents and Influencers

Many Dunki migrants rely on agents, navigating treacherous journeys pressured by ‘donkers.’ Human rights lawyers in the US offer legal help, making influencers confident in sharing their experiences. However, concerns about exploitation by agents are prevalent.

The Role of Dunki Influencers

Data from the Pew Research Center reveals a surge in Indians being the third-highest number of illegal immigrants to the US. From policy changes to the pandemic and increased desperation, several factors contribute to this rise. Migration scholar Sugandha Nagpal notes the emergence of Indian migrants becoming influencers, providing information to aspirational migrants.

Backlash

Not everyone is a fan of Dunki influencers, with comments expressing concerns about their impact on visa processes. Despite criticism, influencers like Gill use their platforms to spread awareness about the risks involved in Dunki migration.

Jaspal Sharma also contends that the overall response has been positive, with viewers tuning in globally for a glimpse into these unconventional journeys. In a world filled with dreams of a better life, Dunki influencers are here to share their experiences, for better or for worse.