This was exquisitely well done. As someone that was child when Katrina hit the US, I had never heard of this immigration and forced labor story. I also have a feeling this is a common sentiment among Americans outside of the south.


The Great Escape is the story of two sides of the immigrant dream. One through college and one through forced labor, all from the side of Indian immigrants who wanted to forge a new life in the US. Whether the story comes from Saket, who came to America as a full ride scholarship recipient or from the men that were lied to by Signal and Co, this is a well told story.

I had no idea about any of this. From the forced labor on oil rigs to the marching to D.C., I had no idea this happened.

I think this book is a must read.

One of the most intriguing non-fiction books that I started this year with is “The Great Escape” by Saket Soni. The genres for this book are Nonfiction, History, Politics, Sociology, Race, Economics, and Memoir. I learned many things from this well written book by Saket Soni, that I wasn’t aware of before. In 2006. Saket Soni, the author and and Indian born community advisor and advocate received information about five hundred men that were promised green cards and work, yet lived in a prison like community with wire and guards.

Many of the Indian community was lured by promises of money and citizenship to the United States. In order to receive the green cards, the Indian immigrants had to pay a hefty price by leaving their loved ones, and selling and borrowing money to pay a fee for this. It was like dangling a carrot on a stick. The companies that offered this really had no intention of giving green cards out, and would ask for more money. The men were cramped into tiny living space, with often rotten food. They had a sense of despair, and failure. Many were afraid to explain what had happened to their families back home.

Saket Soni helped provided advice and assistance to many of these men, and tried to get them to work together. These men were part of forced labor, and the business men involved were not eager to see them leave. Some were threatened with being deported. The men did try to escape, and they marched and had food strikes to draw the media’s attention.

It turned out to be a tremendous problem, when ICE and some politicians ignored what was happening. Saket Soni takes us on this journey for freedom, and what the men deserved, as well as their dignity and families. I highly recommend this thought-provoking memoir and nonfiction book. Often the American Dream can be a nightma