Just a reassurance for Visa Runners to Colonia

[esllou]

I went yesterday to colonia. Two years of stamps, each scrutinised by the migraciones officer. New stamp given. No hassle.

The "crackdown" continues to bite.

 

[La Marlina]

No problems to report on my most recent border crossing, this one done at EZE (just to mix things up), as I'm bored with going to Colonia...

If there is a government encouraged crackdown on perma-tourists, the happy people working at Migraciones at EZE have not yet been told about it.

I sailed through migraciones yesterday, the gentleman who handled my passport didn't even look to see how many pages of stamps I have before he stamped me in for my next tres meses.

 

[Johnny]

Thanks for the report. Me and my TWO "Ultima prorrogas" are going to go the Ezeiza route in two weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed. I don't qualify for any type of residency so this latest immigration crackdown has got me on pins and needles. As an aside, I spoke with Lorena at ARCA the other day and she confirmed that there is crackdown of sorts underway, but clearly it is a poorly organized effort.

 

[citygirl]

Every time I read a post about the impending crackdown on perma-tourists, it makes me think of the Mark Twain quote "The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated."

Just keep in mind that if the majority of posts are coming from those who have a vested interest in finding clients or people who have just joined the board and this is their first post - you might want to take them with a grain of salt While a few people have had problems, there are lots of others who continue to do the perma-tourist route with zero complications.

That being said, obviously it would behoove those who are here for the long-term to find a way to get a long-term visa if at all possible.

 

[John.St]

As has been pointed out by others (e.g. Citygirl) there are as many rules as there are passport police - each her/his own.

Smile, look friendly, perhaps make a brief remark about lovely Argentina or Argentinos - it won't harm.

 

[Johnny]

As has been pointed out by others (e.g. Citygirl) there are as many rules as there are passport police - each her/his own.

Smile, look friendly, perhaps make a brief remark about lovely Argentina or Argentinos - it won't harm.

I'm shining up an apple and getting my teeth cleaned.

 

[Bajo_cero2]

Citygirl,

Real life is not like movies where somebody breaks the law and then police cars show up immediately. Illegality is more like playing Russian roulette, it is a matter of risking yourself unnecessary. Sooner or later you will have a problem because immigration inspectors do what they want. You cannot predict their behaviorist as you think you can.

I work about criminal law too and criminals commit many crimes until they are caught. Of course, at the begging they are stressed, later they see that nothing happens and they relax and start to believe that nothing will ever happens. One of my clients was a mule, DGM reports showed that he crossed the border over 50 times. He was carrying Cocaine, but he is in a Federal Prison nowadays and we are waiting for the trial. This is only an example about how illegality works. On the other hand, a legal (or somebody who works about something legal instead of narco-traffic) can cross the border 1.000.000 times and nothing will ever happens to him.

There used to be a loophole, now it is illegal to use improperly the 90 days staying. This is not a visa, it is an I-94.

The perma-tourist euphemism is something you invented to feel better about being illegal.

This is what a prosecutor said about a perma-tourist:

"regarding his illegal immigration situation"

There is no difference and no advantage about to "renewal" your I-94 going abroad.

So, my legal advice is: crossing the border is risky, do it if you want, you are an adult, but don´t be fake with yourself.

If your don´t abandon the country you become an inhabitant and then you are protected by law. And you can apply for residence any time you want or for citizenship after 2 years.

So, wasting time, money and risking your self pretending to be legal isn´t as smart as you propose.

On the other hand, it is possible to became legal in this country without marriage or children.

Regards

 

[SydSol]

I just got back from Colonia two days ago. What a pleasant experience! Argentina wants foreign investment, period. They could care less and only appear to crack down for various reasons. I have a friend who has been here four years going over the borders and back. Remember, fear is the big oppressive factor. Fear not. Live fearlessly!

 

[MizzMarr]

IThey could care less and only appear to crack down for various reasons.

what is this even supposed to mean?

I wasn't living in fear when I got the 30 day flag in my passport, for what it's worth. Good luck staying lucky.

 

[citygirl]

Bajo_cero - I have always advised that those who are here long-term should seek the appropriate visa. I do in fact completely agree with you on that. I am merely pointing out that there are many people who continue to do the perma-tourist route with little or no problem.

As to whether the loophole is closed - that really is up for debate. Until Argentina puts in a maximum stay as other countries have done, it will continue to be a topic for discussion and the border guards will have the authority to decide if/when it is an infraction.

While your client may have crossed the border 50x - I'd hardly think you can compare a drug mule to your average perma-tourist