Anyone with tattoos denied in Juarez?

[Gar2017 0]

Hello! I am a bit nervoous about my husbands tattoos.. he has quite a few and I understand Juarez Consulate is more stern in that matter. My husbands tattoos are not gang related the only one that I can say maybe is ..his clover on his wrist (he was born on St Patrick's day) but he's Mexican and that type of tattoo is for Arian brotherhood.. he has an owl with the pyramid on its forehead the owl is clutching a skull and he had a unfinished pistol on his leg... praying hands, lady liberty, shark and a koi fish...my attorney stated it should be fine but the more I read into this the less I think it's going to be ok. Has anyone been through this process at the Juarez Consulate? 

[EandH0904 1,184]

Just have him wear something professional looking with long sleeves and long pants. 

[geowrian 22,338]

8 minutes ago, EandH0904 said:

Just have him wear something professional looking with long sleeves and long pants. 

That applies for the interview, but the tattoos will be noticed and potentially noted and asked about during the medical. If they are not gang-related, then it's unlikely to raise any concern. They know gang tattoos pretty well at that embassy and medical institution.

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

8 minutes ago, geowrian said:

They know gang tattoos pretty well at that embassy and medical institution.

^This - they are very familiar with which tattoos to look for. 

[DeadFish 1]

Its like the whole world has tattoos... does he have a criminal background or not? That would be the only real concern. Your statement is as frivolous as saying they prefer interviewing fat people over skinny people. It's all in your head. 

If he thinks his tattoos are a problem... well then THEY will think his tattoos are a problem. 

[millefleur 5,047]

Here's a similar thread about tattoos and Mexico:

Apparently they can be really strict about it at the Juarez Embassy. He should just be prepared for scrutiny if any of the tattoos may raise questions. Someone in that thread said the tattoos ending up resulting in AP.

[Ryan H 3,834]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Mexico, Latin & South America regional forum; OP is specifically asking about Mexico.

[geowrian 22,338]

4 hours ago, DeadFish said:

Its like the whole world has tattoos... does he have a criminal background or not? That would be the only real concern. Your statement is as frivolous as saying they prefer interviewing fat people over skinny people. It's all in your head. 

If he thinks his tattoos are a problem... well then THEY will think his tattoos are a problem. 

Tattoos themselves are not an issue (unless it's excessive they may request a psychological examination). However, if the tattoos are thought to be associated with gang activity, then they can refuse visa based on that. A criminal history is not required - many Mexican gang members have no criminal history. Or more specifically, this is what has happened to others.

[afortunada 182]

He should just be prepared to explain what they all mean, calmly and simply. No over-sharing and no stuttering over his story. If it makes you feel any better, my husband did overhear a gentleman being interviewed with tons of tattoos - they grilled him pretty hard about them during the interview but in the end he was approved. Confidence and calmness is key!

[Dianalorena 1,153]

On June 2, 2017 at 9:18 AM, geowrian said:

Tattoos themselves are not an issue (unless it's excessive they may request a psychological examination). However, if the tattoos are thought to be associated with gang activity, then they can refuse visa based on that. A criminal history is not required - many Mexican gang members have no criminal history. Or more specifically, this is what has happened to others.

this is just and assumption,having a lot of tattoos isn't ground for a psychological exam on its own. it truly depends on the type of tattoos. 

I'm a tattoo artist so YES, I have a lot of them, all professionally done, none offensive or gang related, nothing on my hands/face. 

 

[Dianalorena 1,153]

On June 5, 2017 at 2:09 PM, afortunada said:

He should just be prepared to explain what they all mean, calmly and simply. No over-sharing and no stuttering over his story. If it makes you feel any better, my husband did overhear a gentleman being interviewed with tons of tattoos - they grilled him pretty hard about them during the interview but in the end he was approved. Confidence and calmness is key!

Things like these remind me I'm still Mexican/living in Mexico. They should really get with the times, as a tattoo artist I work with clients from all backgrounds and professions: I have anything from musicians to kindergarten teachers and surgeons. It is 2017 and most people I know have tattoos! 

 

[geowrian 22,338]

2 hours ago, Dilorena said:

this is just and assumption,having a lot of tattoos isn't ground for a psychological exam on its own. it truly depends on the type of tattoos. 

I'm a tattoo artist so YES, I have a lot of them, all professionally done, none offensive or gang related, nothing on my hands/face.

I hear what you are saying and personally I agree that it's not a good cause in itself, but others have had to go through it from Juarez even with tattoos that were not known to be related to gang activity. The idea is still the same - if they are not gang related, then they won't be an issue.

[Dianalorena 1,153]

1 hour ago, geowrian said:

I hear what you are saying and personally I agree that it's not a good cause in itself, but others have had to go through it from Juarez even with tattoos that were not known to be related to gang activity. The idea is still the same - if they are not gang related, then they won't be an issue.

Yup. They will/I will be asked about them and I get that, it's still Mexico and tattoos are still frowned upon, unfortunately. But I hope they do consider the quality/theme of the tattoos and not just the fact that we have them. It does make me a little nervous, though. Thanks God most gang members are men! (joke) 

[Gar2017 0]

Well for anyone concerned about tattoos at juarez consulate, Don't be... my husband just did his interview and has a few tattoos and was approved now we just have to wait for the packet.... what i do recommend is that you go well dressed to the medical as well. We feel that at the medical exam that is where they voice any concerns or doubts they may have of you.. if you go well dressed and act humble and answer with no doubt in your voice is what will help you. My husband said he saw a few people going with sweats and those are the people that were being questioned the most at the interview. If you have any smile now cry later faces cover them up or make them day of the dead theam. If you have time fix your tattoos to make them more friendly... I wish everyone hope and Luck!!