In January 2010, a graduate student named Haisong Jiang crossed a Newark Liberty International Airport security line in order to say goodbye to his girlfriend one last time.  The breach (which came less than a month after the apprehension of the so-called “underwear bomber“) caused more than travel delays.  For Jiang, a Chinese national, it brought a personal introduction to the American justice system.  In March, he pleaded guilty to defiant trespass.  His punishment?  Community service and a $500 fine (plus court fees).  A bill to tighten airport security is now advancing through the New Jersey Legislature.

Although the incident was covered by a number of media outlets, Jiang has been shy about interviews.  We wanted the story straight from him.  Rosy Yang reports.

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Script by Aku Ammah Tagoe and Rosy Yang.  Flora Thomson-Deveaux and Nikki Leon contributed editing. Senior Producer was Aku Ammah Tagoe. Executive Producer was Nikki Leon. Special thanks to Ian Auzenne and Jon Solomon. Music from Chad Crouch and Evgeny Grinko.

You can also watch the video of what happened at Newark Airport here: