Interesting aritcle

[AlexG32]

I found this aritcle today on abcnews.com which near the bottom says and I quote!    "The State Department has also begun an investigation of U.S. embassies around the world to determine how widespread this may be."  here is the link

http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/DailyNews/visas020709.html

[Pete E]

... in response to Interesting aritcle, posted by AlexG32 on Jul 10, 2002

Someone posted one time that the cost to get a tourist visa
in Colombia was $7000.That is of course paid under the table for a person who can't qualify normally,which is about every Colombian.I think it is just about impossible to get a tourist visa now.Poor Colombians wait a year or 2,pay $150 just to apply,travel to Bogota,stand in line for a day and are turned down flat almost every time.Hope springs eternal I guess.My brother in law tried this,we even helped him with some letters.No way.The guy at the embassy said I'm sorry but we are told not to issue tourist visas.Too bad no one tells those hundreds standing in line every day.My other brother in law is waiting for his appointment.We need to tell him to forget it.But $7000 will,or would do it? I suspected the rich in Colombia would have a easier time than Juan blow.
The problem is you are not just bribing a Colombian(no problemo),you need an American state department employee to cooperate.I bet they will cool it for awhile after the other guys getting caught.
Plan B for my wifes brother.Once my wife becomes a citizen,minimum 5 years,she can sponsor other immediate(no aunts,uncles,cousins) family members for a relative(permanent) visa,same a spousal visa.Children are first p[riority,although if under 18  they could have tagged along on the mothers spousal visa.(like my step son).Mothers and fathers next,brothers and sisters last priority,but still possible.This is not just a go home in 30-180 days tourist visa but a permanent immigrant visa.I have watched some Philipino families here do this,eventually they get the whole family here.

Pete

[Patrick]

... in response to Re: Interesting aritcle, posted by Pete E on Jul 10, 2002

It seems to be dependant on circumstances.  My mother-in-law was able to get a tourist visa easily, though we did have to file an affidavit of support for it.  It's only a six month visa though.  I think for old people the risk of them staying permanently in the US is considered to be low (especially when they own property and have pensions in Colombia).

[AlexG32]

... in response to Re: Interesting aritcle, posted by Pete E on Jul 10, 2002

I am pretty lucky in that my future in-laws as well as my fiances two brothers including wives and kids have tourist visas.  They are pretty well off by Colombian standards and visit once a year during Christmas time.  They all enjoy their stay here but none of them have any desires to live here in the states.

[Pete E]

... in response to Interesting aritcle, posted by AlexG32 on Jul 10, 2002

Someone posted one time that the cost to get a tourist visa
in Colombia was $7000.That is of course paid under the table for a person who can't qualify normally,which is about every Colombian.I suspected the rich in Colombia would have a easier time than Juan blow.
The problem is you are not just bribing a Colombian,you need an American state department employee to cooperate.I bet they will cool it for awhile after the other guys getting caught.

Pete