Green cards denied to Latinos with tattoos as officials assume that the tattoos are in association with gangs throughout the country.
Green Cards Denied to Latinos with Tattoos – photo by whitelocust.wordpress.com
According to the Daily Mail, despite having no criminal convictions, Latinos with tattoos have been turned down for green cards or permanent residency in increasing number in the past five years, according to immigration lawyers. Moreover, one Mexican immigrant, Héctor Villalobos, was interviewed and asked by officials at the American consulate whether his tattoos were affiliated with gangs.
According to the 37-year-old handyman, he was denied permanent residency on the basis of having tattoos. While officials cannot outright say they deny anyone because of their outward appearance, they can deny anyone a visa or residency for national security reasons, which includes a section of immigration law of being linked to gangs. The report stated that while, 2006, immigrant visas were denied to only two people on these grounds, the number has since jumped to 82 refusals by 2010.
According to immigration lawyers, the problem stems from the affiliation with tattoos and gangs, however, tattoos are now popular among the general population. While this problem might seem like a small one as the numbers are still low for the denial of residency in America, immigration lawyers are expecting larger numbers to follow over the next few years as the drug cartels and gangs in Mexico continue to take over the country.
Green Cards Denied to Latinos with Tattoos in Fear of Gang Association.
