Tattoo Checks Trip Up Visas

[VivaBaños 2]

Just read this article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/tattoo-checks-trip-up-visas.html

Who knew?

[TBoneTX 45,284]

Well, it goes to show that anyone contemplating a tattoo should consider "is this, or could this be remotely identifiable as, any gang's symbol, huh man?"

[VivaBaños 2]

Well, it goes to show that anyone contemplating a tattoo should consider "is this, or could this be remotely identifiable as, any gang's symbol, huh man?"

Exactly. One of the many things I'm wondering is how Consular's Offices learn of the tattoos. Unless you can see them, do you think they ask: do you have any tattoos?

I wonder if this same logic applies to neo-nazi tattoos and other groups which could affect "national security."

Interesting stuff.

[dandk 72]

Exactly. One of the many things I'm wondering is how Consular's Offices learn of the tattoos. Unless you can see them, do you think they ask: do you have any tattoos?

I wonder if this same logic applies to neo-nazi tattoos and other groups which could affect "national security."

Interesting stuff.

Most likely the applicant was wearing a short sleeve shirt in Mexico during his interview and the CO saw the "13" tattoo on his right hand. It's unfortunate that his "13" tattoo is commonly associated with Latinos gangs in the US.

[X Factor 1,112]

The US is very sensitive to the gang issue. People are regularly killed in Mexico due to these gangs.

[amyandjorge 76]

Unless you can see them, do you think they ask: do you have any tattoos?

Interesting stuff.

Yes, they certainly do ask, and require photos of all tattoos on an intending immigrants body. During my husband's interview we spoke to two individuals who had brought (or brought back for the second time) photos of all their tattoos, including areas where tattoos had been removed. (might be part of the medical)

I don't know about anywhere else in the world, but if you walk around Honduras with 'gang related' tattoos (whether or not you are an avid participant) they most certainly will treat you like a gang member and you could be imprisoned or harmed by a rival gang. Unfortunately for those guys in the story, seems like maybe they have been kind of American de-sensitized to tattoos, in Central America (for the most part) only criminals have tattoos, period. And the interviews take place in-country, with country specific considerations.

I completely agree with this, even though I know new immigrants are held to a little different standard, but if it is gonna cause a problem go ahead and get it removed or covered.

Edited July 13, 2012 by amyandjorge

[TBoneTX 45,284]

if it is gonna cause a problem go ahead and get it removed or covered.

Si, man. I have a friend who has 11 tattoos (all large pieces), but if he wears socks and a short-sleeved shirt that comes more than halfway down his upper arms, no one would ever know, no man.

[cartaverde 12]

amyandjorge, my tattoos were never an issue for anything (so they were never photographed in the medical etc), but they are also not in visible locations, and also obviously not associated with any gang related signs.

Anyone having any ink in visible locations should carefully consider what they ink and what that may do to their (political etc) career later. Even if it's not 13, 14, N, S, or any of the usual or unusual signs of 'either' side. Or for any Russian or yakuza ink - anyone with any input if they actually check for these?

Some people belonging in the gangs tend to advertise it a bit too much. Ink on their body, dressing in a way their side of the gang dresses etc. And even advertising their affiliation a bit too openly like in Facebook etc. But on the same time of course it makes catching them much easier...

[JohnR! 5,495]

Just read this article:

http://finance.yahoo...p-up-visas.html

Who knew?

Very interesting... On a positive note, the USCIS has discretion over the matter. Anyone advertising affiliation with a gang needs not be given permission to enter the US as a resident or potential resident.

[msd 3]

Yes, they certainly do ask, and require photos of all tattoos on an intending immigrants body.

When/where would they ask for such a thing?!

I have 5 Tattoos. Including a sleeve. Nobody ever asked for anything Tattoo related. Or is it because I was an inconspicuous 23 year old white female european at the time of immigration?

[VivaBaños 2]

When/where would they ask for such a thing?!

I have 5 Tattoos. Including a sleeve. Nobody ever asked for anything Tattoo related. Or is it because I was an inconspicuous 23 year old white female european at the time of immigration?

Good call. That would certainly be my guess as to why you weren't asked anything about your tattoos.