Recently my son and his family were in India for vacation and left back leaving their younger son with us to enjoy grandparental love . After 15 days we left for US taking him with us.
Below is the verbatim conversation I had with Washington DC immigration officer on arrival.after I presented our Indian passports and my grandson's US passport
...
Me : Good evening
Immigration officer : Who is this boy ?
Me: He is our grandson
I.O: Why is he travelling with you ?
Me: His parents visited India and left him under our care and we are taking him back.
I.O.: where are his travel papers?
Me: Blinking – His passport is here.
I.O. No you do not understand. I want his travel authority.
Me again blinked.
I.O. Sir when a minor travels with others he must have a travel authority from his parents authorising you and authenticated officially by notary.
Me: I don't know about this and we do not have any letter.
I.O; Where are his parents?
My Grand son:- They are waiting outside and these are my grandparents.
I.O. Sir This time I am letting you go and be sure in future you carry an authority letter as kidnapping is a world wide crime and we need to be very cautious.
Me. I smiled weakly.
I.O. Sir this is no joking matter and you need to know the rules when you travel like this.
Are people aware of this rule ?
I am posting this so that as many of us are are Grandparents and likely to travel like this and let as many people know about this. Please spread this message .
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