Visa denied

[Ginet 0]

My husband's visa was denied due to being involved in drug trafficking according to the paper we were given that same day at the consulate. However, he wasn't involved but that is not what they wanted to believe. He was arrested and found not guilty. The court document also shows that he had no connection with the drugs found. The only way he was sought out was due to the drugs having been found at his father's residence, my husband who visits his father, and my husband’s uncle who stated to the police that he wants nothing to do with his brother and his nephew because he "does not approve of their lifestyle." Also, the court document states that they were looking for a Colombian, who was staying at my father-in-law's home but they only knew him by a nickname. Evidently, my father-in-law allowed a stranger into his home that left the drugs once he suspected that he was being sought after by the police. After six months awaiting a trial in jail, my husband was found not guilty due to the fact that he did not live in the home as was proven with the search warrant.

Anyway, I thought that we would be able to explain the situation in detail to the consular officer. My husband tried to. He stated to her that he was 6 months in jail before trial because they found drugs in his father's home but that he lived and was raised by another uncle in a town 3 hours away.

The consular officer said that she only needs suspicion that he was involved in drug trafficking and that by him serving 6 months in jail for drugs and by the drugs being found in his father's house, that was enough.

I then explained to her that the 6 months in jail was before trial and that anybody could be wrongfully accused. I asked her if she read the court document and she responded to me that it was in front of her. I asked her again, but did you read it and she gave me the same response. Therefore, she did not educate herself as far as the case was concerned. She proceeded to inform me that there was no pardon or appeal for this issue.

I would like to ask anybody with an objective view to let me know if legitimate "reason to believe" is in the facts of the drug case.

Also, can I appeal and how?

[ZandraO 0]

I would suggest that since you are dealing with police/legal matters that in this case you need to contact a lawyer who perhaps specializes with Dominican Republic either because he/she is from there or has dealt with similar situations. Unfortunately you are going to get embassy workers who do not know the ins and outs of his case and you need a lawyer who can help you find ways to circumnavigate documents and their system that may assist in this particular type of case. That would be what I would do in your shoes.

[Ginet 0]

I would suggest that since you are dealing with police/legal matters that in this case you need to contact a lawyer who perhaps specializes with Dominican Republic either because he/she is from there or has dealt with similar situations. Unfortunately you are going to get embassy workers who do not know the ins and outs of his case and you need a lawyer who can help you find ways to circumnavigate documents and their system that may assist in this particular type of case. That would be what I would do in your shoes.

Thanks, I will do just that.

[ZandraO 0]

Good luck to you! I know it's not the news you wanted to hear from them about your visa but don't give up until you and your love are together again. If it ain't worth fighting for it ain't worth having and you my dear may have a fight on your hands but that just shows how much love there is and how much it is worth having!!!!