The Hindu reports that, "After being duped by a California-based university, scores of Indian students in the U.S. are now enduring the ignominy of wearing radio tags around their ankles so that authorities can keep track of their movements."
Now, I don't know any of these students, but I am fairly certain that they knew what they were doing. They are no innocent victims of a con-university, it was merely supply and demand. The students chose the school because it lets them work without having to attend regular classes, and the university makes easy money without having to spend on all the things that go into imparting a quality education like professors and infrastructure.
How can I be so sure? Because I know for a fact that the Tri-Valley is not the only university that does this. I know for a fact that students who go to these schools are fully aware that they are not getting an education. I know for a fact that they know what they are doing is not totally on the up-and-up. Most people I talked to are usually congratulating themselves for finding a way around the law of the land.
The US is pissed because these people are living in the country under false pretenses - they are working when they are supposed to be studying. More importantly, they are working when most Americans are out of work. The students have made a mockery of the immigration laws of the country by diddling around with the letter of the law and ignoring the spirit in which it was laid out.
Having said that, should they be treated like criminals? Are they dangerous con-artists that are a threat to society? No, I don't think so. What they did is not an equivalent of murder, kidnapping or robbery. It is the equivalent of cutting a line. They did not wait their turn and go through the legal process to finish college and then find work. In a hurry to make money, they decided to cut a few corners. They may have done it because they need the money. They may have done it to support a family. The reasons don't matter. What's wrong is wrong. The law may show some leniency in dealing with these people based on their background and circumstances, but it'll definitely not let them go scot-free. Since immigration is a burning issue in the United States, I will not be surprised if the federal authorities act tough just to make a point.
The US slapped ankle bracelets on these students because they don't trust them not to disappear into some small town. Its not unheard of - the Mexicans do it all the time, and some of the Indians do it too. Instead of getting outraged, India should take responsibility for these students and ask them to be released on the Indian Embassy's personal bond, on their personal recognizance. The embassy should house them and monitor their movements and take responsibility of these people until the proper course of action is taken in each individual case.
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