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Comment by komali2 | Hacker News Reader

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komali2·

One of our engineers got a 10 year ban from the country for misspeaking about this exact situation.

"Coming in for an offsite? Think you'll be doing any work there?"

"I dunno, I guess it's possible?"

That's all it took. Obviously any further trips involved extensive coaching on what not to say to cops at the border.

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Heh, I was going to ask, what's the consequence if you do say the wrong thing? They correct you and tell you what you're not allowed to do?

... I guess that answers that!

Wow. Wouldnt have expect it to be that strict.

I was working for a US company from the EU and once had a slip of tongue. The officer grilled me for a bit, but also made me realize my mistake. I didn't have any issues in my next visits. I think a lot might depend on the tone and social skills. Maybe the dev in question was a bit rude? Or maybe they stumbled on someone that was almost religious about these things.

The dev in question has a heart of gold, imo the border agent was just an asshole. He asked him a leading question, lord knows why. Obviously our lawyers at the time hold some responsibility for not warning us to be wary of that kind of thing but still.

Do you mind if I ask though, do you feel it's acceptable that one's level of kindness is all it takes to change whether a State bans someone from the country for 10 years, or, allows them in after grilling them a bit?

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