Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: IE
Context: The newly released Shahrukh Khan-Rajkumar Hirani film “Dunki” addresses immigration and the challenges faced during “donkey journeys.”
What is Donkey Journey?
“Donkey journey” refers to the perilous and lengthy routes that individuals around the world undertake to immigrate to new places. These journeys are often challenging due to a lack of legal permits or financial resources.
Example: People from Haryana try to reach the USA illegally by first going to Ecuador and then travelling by land through Mexico to reach the USA. Similarly, people from Punjab try to reach Canada illegally by traversing through several countries. The journey is dangerous and very risky.
About Passports:
Passports have historical roots, with mentions in the Hebrew Bible and established systems in countries like France and the UK. Modern passports emerged due to the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act in 1914, featuring photographs and distinguishing features. The League of Nations’ 1920 conference aimed to standardize passport regulations, influencing the common British system. In the 1920s, the US enacted immigration laws tied to passports, limiting inflows. Despite initial discomfort, passports have endured as a vital aspect of modern citizenship.
Passports in India:
The issuance of Indian passports began during the First World War (1914-1918) under the Defence of India Act, when the British government mandated passports for travel.
Usage: For the “Donkey Journey,” you can relate it to contemporary issues such as illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the challenges faced by individuals seeking to migrate for better opportunities. This example can be employed in answers addressing socio-economic issues, global migration trends, and the complexities of international borders.
