HOW CAN I HELP

Robert Jorge says on Apr 24, 2007, 17:15:

I don't know about Belgium (immigration), but the people probably think a letter from a foreigner would help them get a visa to enter another country. From what I hear, lots of Colombians seem to be under the impression that a magic letter somehow helps them leave. I have been asked a couple of times to write a letter for somebody ... it doesn't do anything for helping enter the US.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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rca_rodrigo says on Apr 24, 2007, 22:22:

i think the best way those people is telling the real deal:

1. how to applay for a job in europe
2. tell them the real posilities of findign a job

;)

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thur says on Apr 25, 2007, 00:38:

A letter is responsibility. Unfortunately.
It could help, since the letter should state you are inviting him/her, will be responsible for any costs which aren't covered by the obliged insurance and their safe return. If they, for whatever reason, decide to overstay (illegally) and leave you in the dark: it's your "fault". You could expect a visit from immigration officers, asking where this person -you invited- is. They can't do much more, however... the credibility for any future letter you might send is zero.
Much better would be to point out that saleries might be higher, but the costs of living even more so. That illegals are exploited, that illegals (if caught) can be deported and never be given entrance ever again, that it's better to establish something in Colombia and in the long run a good basis in Colombia gives more opportunities to live a normal life (without fear and even travel options).
I believe the SENA offers courses to find work and also has employment offers (in Colombia and Spain).
Greetings,

~ UPDATE ~
www.pbase.com/thur

- pbase.com/thur

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Cerealkiller says on Apr 25, 2007, 01:35:

Liboxi, Thurs is right. Liboxi, Thur is right. However, if what theyre asking for is an invitation letter, chances are it will do them no good if youre in Colombia. On the other hand, the EU is changing immigration requirements and soon, only highly trained people who have been offered a job will be able to apply for indefinite leave...perhaps they want a letter saying you have offered them a job? I dont know...I think the best way to help people is to explain the reality of immigrants in Europe, the difficulties of not speaking the language etc etc. As Ive already stated, I am not against legal immigration in any way, but it saddens me to hear about people who sell everything they have and get in debt to just pay for the plane ticket, because they think as soon as they get here they will be assimilated, offered high paid jobs and given a passport. When they see how difficult it is to get a job, to assimilate the different cultures etc its too late because they cant afford to go back.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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Mononoke28 says on Apr 25, 2007, 22:16:

The bad thing... ... about colombians is that they see any foreigner (or any one coming back from a different country) as their savior. My family and I are always asked to write letters of invitation and at the beginning we were more than willing, but then it got to be too much and we were honest with them and told them no can do. Besides those letters don't do any good anyway. But no matter how many times you tell them that, they don't believe you.

And the worst part of it all is this. Ask them where they plan to stay once they get to the US? Most of them say they'll figure out which translates to... I'll stay with you until I can get back on my feet. Yeah right!

Diana

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aztec says on Apr 26, 2007, 05:21:

"I'll stay with you until I can get back on my feet." Been there done that! They will not leave.

Twice with two different Colombian friends of my wife and both situations had an unpleasant ending.

Actually my wife asked one to leave when the visitor began to flirt with me. That ended the stay in a hurry.

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