A city student went to the United States of America (U.S.) to pursue an MBA, while earning a living, only to be questioned and deported back to India by the U.S. immigration authorities for being “ineligible” immediately after he landed there. Poorer by Rs. 8 lakh, he is now back in the city and has filed a complaint with the Banaswadi police on Friday alleging cheating by a consultancy firm based out of Bengaluru and Chennai.
Paul Jose, the work-study programme aspirant who not only lost money but also a full academic year, said there were many more like him from other south Indian States who had been “cheated” by the firm.
According to him, the company, which had advertised on popular online job portals, had approached him asking him to take up the work-study programme in the U.S. Paul Jose paid the amount and even attended the interview at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai to get the visa and complete other formalities. He flew to the U.S. last April, but the nightmare began soon after he landed there. The immigration authorities denied entry stating that he was ineligible and deported him.“There are many students who have been sent back by the U.S. authorities, who are still struggling to get their money. They have not only lost their money but also one year,” said Paul Jose.
A senior police officer from the Banaswadi police station, who summoned representatives of the firm, said they had denied any cheating and said that Paul Jose had failed in the interview and was deported. They said the firm was ready to refund the money which was taken as course fee, but Paul wanted the full amount.
Based on the complaint, the Banaswadi police have booked the firm for cheating. The firm representatives, who were summoned by police, said the visa was genuine and blamed Jose for not having enough funds due to which he was sent back.
Immigration authorities denied entry to Paul Jose as they found him ‘ineligible’
