Mexican National Denied US Visa
"I have been living and enjoying Mexico for a while now. During my time here I have made a fantastic friend who has introduced me to his family, friends, colleagues and business associates.
“I and my family were so pleased with the budding friendship that we extended an invitation to host a visit to the United States and share a bit of our country, family and friends with him.
“Unfortunately, obtaining a visa turned out to be a nightmare and very hurtful experience for our Mexicano friend. It left deep scars that can only be overcome by find a way to procure a visa.
“An interview at the US Embassy in Mexico City was made and paid for - the applications were complete (honest and well done - nearly 2 inches of paper) and guarantees were made for all expenses and a return to Mexico after spending several weeks in the US - many hours were put into the application as good cheer and planning for the visit proceeded. By the way, my friend had never been in trouble, was a good student and is very close to his family (his father died when he was very young and as the oldest son he always worked hard to contribute money and ease the burden on his mother).
“Finally the day of the interview arrived. My friend arrived at the Embassy at 6:00 am (carefully groomed and dressed) and waited for 4 hours outside before entering the building - he was all anticipation and smiles at this point.... but that changed.
“After nearly 6 hours of waiting he was called to the desk of an Embassy employee who promptly asked 2 questions:
“1) What are you going to the US for?
Answer: Visit with my friends (a complete list with full contact information and itineraries were attached); and
2) How much money do you have?
Answer: About 3000 US Dollars for spending money, but ALL of my expenses (round-trip travel, accommodations, food, entrance fees for museums, etc) are completely covered by my hosts).
“The Embassy employee (after 2 minutes, 2 questions and some note taking) promptly ripped the official forms from the top of the meticulously prepared 2 inch application (which she did not look at), then stamped the application ‘Denied.’ The actions and gruff attitude of the Embassy employee was that of total rejection. My friend would never say so, but to hear him recount the experience I know that tears had come to his eyes and he was heartbroken, not only by the result by the way the Embassy employee made him feel.
“Since this happened I have been doing some investigation and have found that 98% of all applications end with this sad result. Embassy officials summarily reject applications in a way that most Americans would not agree with. Bear in mind that these are not Mexicans that want to “fly under the radar” and enter the country illegally - these are Mexicans that want to visit their neighboring country (often times with more money than Americans have when they visit Mexico).
“Mexicans (without a visa) cannot even enter the United States to make connecting flights to other countries (at generally lower rates). They are just told and shown by Embassy officials that they are some sort of bad people… guilty before being proven innocent (even when fully documented).
“I think this situation is appalling and should be changed. We need the tourism dollars in the United States, we need more people traveling on US flag carriers, we need to reciprocate the generous hospitality and genuine caring between the people of our countries. We are, after all, neighbors and NAFTA partners aren’t we?
“This discrimination must stop if we ever expect to have a respectful, honest relationship with average Mexican citizens. They are good-hearted people.
“We are now seeking ways to re-apply. If anybody here, or anybody they might know could offer assistance I would truly appreciate it.”
Respectfully,
TM Wiley
tmw775@gmail.com
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. a memoir of her sojourns in these countries. I mentioned it here because it has some interesting observations on the culture of these very different locales.
which is about marriage and her decision to marry for a second time. What does this have to do with living abroad? Well, when in Bali, she fell in love with a man who is Brazilian. They became involved and lived together until...surprise, surprise… he was stopped by Homeland Security in Dallas for having exited and entered the U.S. too many times. Such are the hazards of international relationships and one should be aware that this can happen. Marriages would solve the problem, however. They are, in effect, “sentenced” to marry. Deciding that they wanted to be together while he awaited a new visa, they found inexpensive places to stay in Southeast Asia.
, just because, in my opinion, it’s a gripping story, very well done. You can see what it’s about by looking at the cover, but there’s far more to it.