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Tattoos Can Prevent Visa Issuance

7/11/2012

5 Comments

 
Picture
Immigrant visa denials are
on the rise for applicants with gang-related tattoos. In 2006 there were only 2 such denials. However, in 2010, the number jumped to 82. Many of those affected are from Latin America., and have no criminal history.

 With the continued gang violence in Mexico, U.S. authorities’ concern with national security have resulted in more people getting denied based on their body art.
 
Some of the gang signs are a part of general culture, and have an
alternative meaning. The Wall Street Journal discusses the story of Hector
Villalobos. He does not have a criminal record, and he has been in the United
States for several years. The U.S. Consulate in Mexico denied his application
for an immigrant visa because of his tattoos. One of his tattoos is of two
theatrical masks. These masks represent a gang. However, it’s very possible that
many folks would look at the same masks, and take them for what they
are—theatrical masks. Unfortunately for Mr. Villalobos, his choice in tattoos 
have now led him to a bleak situation where he is stuck in Mexico while his wife
and children continue to reside in Colorado.

 Whoever thought a person could get denied a visa because of  tattoos? Well, it now seems to pose a concern for those interested in  immigrating.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303933404577505192265987100.html?KEYWORDS=immigration


5 Comments
Richard McMilligan
7/11/2012 05:19:49 pm

It's a difficult balance. On the one hand, a tattoo reveals what a person can hide with his words. On the other hand, a deserving candidate who meets all of the criteria and more can be denied simply because he made different decisions and associated with different people in his youth. His past indescretions aren't hidden from the world like most others' because he tattooed them on himself. Well, I suppose in that regards, this is a great reminder for all how a tattoo is a permanent mark you put on yourself. Better think that decision through before you commit to it.

Reply
Don Reynolds
7/12/2012 02:52:39 am

I disagree. A tattoo is a clear and ongoing sign or message from the one who wears it. It is a calling card. People aren't stupid. They get those tattoos as a way of showing off who they are and who they belong to. And if the tattoo is of some frat or Marine Corps, or it says "mom," then we know something about those men. But if they are gang symbols - and especially the violent gangs and cartels - then we know that those men belong to those groups and associations and should thus be feared as such. As you said, an immigrant can lie about his background very easily on a form. But the tattoo doesn't lie at all.

Reply
Josephina Sanchez
7/15/2012 01:06:40 pm

Don, many young boys do stupid things when they are young but then later grow mature. What if you couldn't now get jobs or a passport or a drivers license ID b/c of your foolish acts when you were young? This is especially true when the mistake was a tattoo and not some major crime. a tattoo is just a self-expression - it is not like the person is admitting guilt to crimes. tattoos are legal!

Reply
Lester Stockbridge
9/13/2012 11:49:56 am

Josephina - what someone does when they're young has lasting consequences. Parents should have more reign over their children. Then maybe they wouldn't join gangs, get pregnant, or run for congress (ha! :) #@joke lol rofl).

Richard - I have a tattoo of the Chinese symbol for "strength" on my shoulder, and a Mayan tribal symbol representing "love of murder" on my 21" bicep. Every time I look at them, I am reminded of my strength, murder, and my Mayan/Chinese heritage. Does that make me dangerous?

Reply
immigration asylum lawyer link
7/19/2013 12:57:17 am

Awesome blog about Student Immigration Lawyer.I am also student .I didn't know about this and this blog clear some point regarding this.so thanks.






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    Sara Goldberg is an immigration attorney in Houston, Texas, representing clients from all around the world.

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