sorry story, but slightly biased
by Amit Shesh on Apr 07, 2007 01:26 AM
Some things are missing here--why approach a lawyer for a work visa, why not an employer? And why apply for political asylum? Its difficult for me the lawyer could do such a big thing without these people even knowing--read before you sign!
Having said that, it is a sorry tale indeed. For all those who bashed rediff for this story, imagine they had to relocate from one state to another within India instead of one country to another, with their business all set up, their children going to school, etc. Can you imagine how difficult it is to relocate and start life afresh, especially when you have your life's savings and time invested elsewhere? sure, they could've brought their son with them here, but then he would've suffered academically. Remember that he can still be a US citizen even if they brought him with them, so keeping him there cannot be to retain his citizenship.
I wish people would view it a little more sympathetically instead of blindly categorizing it "reap as you sow" or "NRIs are all unpatriotic selfish beings". Simply living in India does not make one more patriotic. In fact if you are living in India and paying bribes to get work done, you're part of the problem instead of being part of a nation-building effort.