Hajji Ali entered India as one of thousands of escapees during his countries revolution. He paid lip service to the new order in his country in order to hedge his bets, writing slogans for the revolution on compound walls around the city of Pune, and joining in an occasional march whenever some international event was to the dislike of the political leadership of his country.
But Hajji Ali didn’t have his heart in the revolution at all. He was one of the pampered sons of the old order who’d escaped with wealth intact. His sole ambition was to get a basic internationally recognized degree, learn reasonable English, and head for the USA. As his activities didn’t fit his ambitions he was under constant risk from both his own country, and a bad report in the country of his dreams. What would happen to him if either country was to learn about his revolutionary activities or his US ambitions? This fear caused him many a sleepless night.
English lessons weren’t progressing fast enough for his liking. He felt his life was at constant risk, so decided to speed up plans and move away from Asia where his risk exposure was great. By plane, train and bus he toured India looking for a target contact in a university from which he could somehow manipulate a quick degree. Naturally enough he was rebuffed time and again, then one day he found a benefactor. In every country there are people in responsible positions who are prepared to sell principle for short term gain.
I’m happy to report government auditors were quick to discover the unusual transaction Hajji Ali initiated. The university official lost his job, and Hajji Ali lost both his money and his questionable degree. Because of unfavorable publicity he was served notice his residence permit would not be renewed.
Faced with deportation he implored police officials with tears and promises of wealth if they’d find a way to reverse deportation orders, but to no avail. The sons of the revolution living in India as temporary residents also became aware of his duplicity, and informed their government Hajji Ali needed special attention on his return home.
How he wished he’d completed his education the honest way so his ambitions could be achieved. His ambition to move to the USA was impossible now, and he trembled each time he thought of what awaited him when he was eventually deported to his homeland.
“© Copyright Ian Grice 2013 All rights reserved”
ianscyberspace 
And here in the US it continues, with our government selling its own citizens short talking about our lack of STEM education and knowledge. Opening the the temporary Visa pool even further while we sink the middle even further into long-term and abject poverty.
Your single line, as Soma so accurately pointed out is telling. I think this is an international problem.
This is a great story Ian, do we hope?
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Unlike many who claim the human race is advancing I see it going in the other direction. I hope I’m wrong!
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Recently in Singapore, the authorities arrested and charged dozens of foreigners who spouted forged ‘educational qualifications’ and landed employement passes. You wonder why they were ready to accept wages low enough to replace Singaporeans. They are now honoured guests in Changi Prison – after which they will deported.
Not to worry – they’ll return within months with forged passports and new identities.
The cat-and-mouse game continues.
To add to what Soma said – in some countries, Hajji Ali would make a prime candidate for political office. He has the wherewithal and qualities that makes him an eminent candidate.
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We are being overrun here with boat people. While the hearts of Australians are rather soft toward the disadvantaged overall these people bring with them a demanding spirit and an unwillingness to change to fit into this society, but those who eventually are granted citizenship want to change our society to make it the kind of society they fled from for economic or other reasons. It seem to be an international problem these days. The news of this week talks about rape and destruction in the temporary camps set up. Why on earth would we welcome such people?
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“In every country there are people in responsible positions who are prepared to sell principle for short term gain”
here now a days there are many, and its sad and scary. Today a Hajji Ali won’t have to leave India, he can easily buy a political party ticket and even hope to win an election
its not about religion, anyone with a money, no matter what background can get anything.
Loved the story and the Hope in it Ian.
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I remember some of the “guests” of India terrorizing people on the streets of Pune. They had lots of money. They had no respect for the local girls either. I have seen them on motorcycles going past one of those police chowks in the middle of the road where they direct traffic and whacking the police man on duty as they went past. I’ve also seen them in the Foreigners Registration Office trying to bully the police there. Fortunately for them the police were patient but firm. I could not understand why they were allowed to stay there.
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