Illegal migrants' failed dreams of 'heavenly life'

Local authorities decided to treat him with leniency and helped him return to his normal life.

"The government supports our normal religious activities," he said.

With the help of the local government, Mehmut signed contracts to cultivate another 33,330 square meters of orchard.

Mehmut said his daughter-in-law is expected to give birth to a baby in a month.

"I do not know whether it is a boy or a girl. Anyway, we will give him or her a good education," he said.

Alim Ahmad had a similar experience.

To pursue the "life in heaven," Alim sold all of his property to go abroad.

But his dream was broken. His savings of more than 100,000 yuan were gone, part of which was paid to the organizers, also known as snakeheads. After staying in prison overseas for 17 months, he was repatriated.

Like Mehmut, Alim also enjoyed government leniency and support.

Police officer Hazmet Emer vouched for him to help him restart his life.

Now, Alim has redeemed his land and settled down. His daughter attends kindergarten.

"I hope to share my experience with other people so that everyone can see through the lies about the 'heavenly life' overseas," he told CCTV. "The best and most heavenly place is my hometown."

A COLLEGE STUDENT'S "JIHAD"

Memetaili, 25, was the only son in his family. When he was a freshman in a medical school in Urumqi, Xinjiang's regional capital, some people approached him in the name of imparting "religious knowledge." The "textbooks" they used were audio and video materials made by overseas terrorist groups, according to the CCTV report.

After watching the material, Memetaili felt the urge to "sacrifice" for his religious beliefs. The group then introduced him to a "fellow countryman" abroad, who asked Memetaili to join him.