They have tried to migrate illegally in pursuit of a "heavenly life" or "jihad." Some have even planned terrorist attacks in China.
All have found a reality totally different from their dreams.
China Central Television broadcast a program on Saturday about illegal migrants repatriated home by Chinese authorities.
Some have returned to normal life, while others are in custody for suspected crimes. But all are rethinking what they have heard from those who promised them the "heavenly life."
LIES AND NEW HOPE
Fruit farmer Mehmut is now busy managing the apple and pear trees on his orchard, which covers 6,667 square meters in Aksu, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Now most of his work is finished and he just needs to fertilize the trees twice in October. Mehmut said the orchard could bring him 100,000 yuan (16,110 U.S. dollars) this year.
Two years ago, things were totally different.
Mehmut was caught while illegally migrating and repatriated to Xinjiang. An investigation showed he was coerced and deceived into migrating.
"What a dolt I was. I was influenced by religious extremism," he told CCTV. "I was told that I could do anything I wish after going abroad and no one could stop us. (I was also told) it is easier to earn money overseas. As long as I was there, I could make big money."
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.
