- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 321 views
I was scared and hence paid up!
- Customs, Excise and Service Tax
- Customs Check and Clearance
- Paid INR 3,000
I came to the US in April 1997 on a visitor visa. After visiting and interviewing some universities I got selected to attend a University. By the time I got selected it was already July/Aug so no time go back to India since semesters begin in Sept. I therefore changed by visa status from Visitor to Student.
One thing led to the other and I could not visit India for 7 years. Finally once I graduated and had a stable job, I finally made a trip to India. I still cherish the memories of that visit because it was done after 7 years.
When returning to the US, a customs official told me that he will not allow me to board the flight to US since I broke some law. The only thing I remember him telling me 'the president of India's rule states that you must not change your visa status in the US etc .... ' i was really scared and paid up. I do remember that persons name and face and given an opportunity I will deal with him in the future.
After that trip I must have come to India at least 15 times on the same status and no one has asked me that question. I knew I have been bullied into.