Should opebo become an illegal immigrant?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

He'd never have to return to The Bad Place and most third world countries do jack sh!t about American illegal immigrants. Many often make accommodations for them.

[Eraserhead]

If he wants to I don't see why he shouldn't become one.

[opebo]

Its not so simple.. if I overstayed my visa I would have to pay a large fine upon leaving.. about $12/day, up to a total of around $600.  Also if caught beforehand I could be jailed briefly before being expelled.  Actually I have a perfectly good 'work visa' though, good for a year, so no problems there.  Other than, of course, having to work.

[WalterMitty]

you know, brtd, at first we all just laughed at your obsessions.

now they are becoming a bit disturbing.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Its not so simple.. if I overstayed my visa I would have to pay a large fine upon leaving.. about $12/day, up to a total of around $600.  Also if caught beforehand I could be jailed briefly before being expelled.  Actually I have a perfectly good 'work visa' though, good for a year, so no problems there.  Other than, of course, having to work.

Really? Things must be way different than in places like Mexico. ag said the biggest penalty he's ever heard of for some living living illegally in Mexico is a $20 fine.

[Ban my account ffs!]

There are often loopholes, as well.

In Austria, for example, you must simply leave the Schengen zone and re-enter and your 3 months as a tourist are renewed.

But then, of course, you can't work.  But you could be a perpetual tourist as long as you like!

[Frodo]

I am a bit surprised he hasn't given up his U.S. passport, and become a Thai subject instead. 

[Jake]

Really? Things must be way different than in places like Mexico. ag said the biggest penalty he's ever heard of for some living living illegally in Mexico is a $20 fine.

Post of the week.

[opebo]

Really? Things must be way different than in places like Mexico. ag said the biggest penalty he's ever heard of for some living living illegally in Mexico is a $20 fine.

Yeah I think Thailand is way more rule-bound and bureaucratic than Mexico.  It is, essentially, far more developed even though the income level is the same.

I am a bit surprised he hasn't given up his U.S. passport, and become a Thai subject instead. 

Frodo, that is impossible.  Thailand simply does not allow that.  The privilege of being Thai is gained by birth only.  In practice they do not want farangs to get citizenship - even if you marry or work here for a decade, you only get a 'permanent residency permit'.  It is actually quite a xenophobic nation, like most Asian countries.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

So it's not like lots of other places where you can just bribe an immigration official and bet set for a certain amount of time?

[opebo]

So it's not like lots of other places where you can just bribe an immigration official and bet set for a certain amount of time?

No.  There is an elaborate process to set up a 'business' and get a one year businessman's visa, but it costs a lot, you have to actually set up a fake business, appear to employ like at least three Thais, and it requires a lawyer, etc.  Figure a thousand dollars for the whole subterfuge at least.  Cambodia is much more welcoming - you just pay like $200-250 for a one year 'business' visa, and don't have to prove anything.

[WalterMitty]

opebo when were you in the us last?

[opebo]

opebo when were you in the us last?

Maybe a couple of years ago.. when were you last out of it,mity?

[minionofmidas]

Lol. Reading just the blue bits on the main page, it says "Re: Should opebo become... opebo"

[WalterMitty]

opebo when were you in the us last?

Maybe a couple of years ago.. when were you last out of it,mity?

2005, when i was in quebec.