Gang Related Tattoo Denial?

[USArmyWifey 2]

So i was reading that your visa can be denied on the grounds of a gang related tattoo. First off i would like to state i am not in a gang, i have never been arrested and have never commited any kind of gang related criminal offence. Ever!

But i do have a tattoo on my leg, and the thing that it is linked to has been classed as "gang related" by a few states, but not the country as a whole (and not by the state that i am entering or living in once i get to the usa).

My husband also has a tattoo like it and is in the US military...

Ive had my medical with no problems and i dont plan on showing any of my tattoos off during my interview, but do they really have grounds to deny me based upon a tattoo on my leg even if i am not part of a "gang"?

[DiZZyLoX 114]

they asked a bunch of question about my husband's black and gray art. more than normal. but he got through just fine. i'm sure you'll be fine, don't sweat it.

[USArmyWifey 2]

they asked a bunch of question about my husband's black and gray art. more than normal. but he got through just fine. i'm sure you'll be fine, don't sweat it.

Was that for the medical exam or for the interview? Because the tattoo in on my ankle so i dont plan for them to even see it at the interview (or any of my tattoos for that matter if i can help it because i know people are so quick to judge, especily being female) Thanks though!

[DiZZyLoX 114]

Was that for the medical exam or for the interview? Because the tattoo in on my ankle so i dont plan for them to even see it at the interview (or any of my tattoos for that matter if i can help it because i know people are so quick to judge, especily being female) Thanks though!

It was at the medical exam. They didn't even bring it up at the interview.

[Canadian in GA 34]

They wont ask what kind of tattoos you have, I have 6, and at my medical, they didn't say anything or list them, and in my interviews, nothing was brought up. as it being on your ankle, just wear pants. there will be no conversation about it.

[Rachie07 4]

From my understanding of the process...they would check you out at medical and would have questioned you in regards to this there and then. I would have assumed they would be able to differentiate between genuine gang tattoos and tattoos that may be somewhat alike. I am sure you will be just fine.

[Operator 1,927]

Mine weren't a problem.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

[USArmyWifey 2]

Thanks everyone!

From my understanding of the process...they would check you out at medical and would have questioned you in regards to this there and then. I would have assumed they would be able to differentiate between genuine gang tattoos and tattoos that may be somewhat alike. I am sure you will be just fine.

And yes, my husband told me not to worry also its just recently the media have been blowing the whole thing up and ive been reading about how the FBI have classed people who support what the tattoo is about as being a "gang threat" which i find rediculous! Its a band logo and at the end of the day its just a case of a certian few individuals who ruien it for everyone. Thanks again all!

[Laure&Colin 558]

They won't see it so there's nothing to worry about.

Questions about tattoos can happen at the medical, because they tend to link an "excessive" number of tattoos to mental instability. If yours had raised questions, it would have happened at the medical.

[USArmyWifey 2]

They won't see it so there's nothing to worry about.

Questions about tattoos can happen at the medical, because they tend to link an "excessive" number of tattoos to mental instability. If yours had raised questions, it would have happened at the medical.

Thanks! Its nice to know i have nothing to worry about!

Just out of curiosity, do you know why they link an "excessive" number of tattoos to mental instability? If i had the money and the time i would probably have an "excessive" number of tattoos and i wouldnt say im mentaly unstable... although this process is getting me there

[CarrieC 7]

Thanks! Its nice to know i have nothing to worry about!

Just out of curiosity, do you know why they link an "excessive" number of tattoos to mental instability? If i had the money and the time i would probably have an "excessive" number of tattoos and i wouldnt say im mentaly unstable... although this process is getting me there

LOL

[Moomin 292]

It depends on the norms and culture of the country. Tattoos aren't really the issue, same goes for piercings or other body modifications. The doctor or CO might not share the same point of view but their view is typically based on the traditions and norms of that country whether it's having an engagement ceremony, age difference, communication or tattoos. And when the tattoos are something you see on a daily basis I'd keep my attention on other factors. Some things are according to American standards though - drug habits and such.

Laurel Scott make a reference about not taking any clients with a "13" tattoo which(IMO) says alot about a lawyer working with inadmissibility waivers.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I read a report about a medical at Knightsbridge a couple of weeks ago where they questioned the guy about his tattoos. He said they were really old. That won him the prize of further testing for HIV and Hep B & C before Kightsbridge would sign off. It cost him around 72 GBP at his NHS doctor.

[Moomin 292]

Which in some ways is fair, IMO. But it's extra testing, not a denial.

[bigdog 376]

Mine weren't a problem.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

O- nice job on your tattoo removal.