Job Discussion Forums

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

To all those who want to make the EU/Spain home...

I am writing as an American working in communications (not ESL at the moment) living in Paris. Two years ago, I hired a cleaning lady, Roccio, from Peru. She had been smuggled into SPAIN from Peru illegally without a proper visa. She did, however have a stamp on her passport from her arrival in Madrid. Roccio made her way to Paris, and has been working "in the black" for over 3 years.

Why do I mention Roccio's story to you? For the amazing reason that Roccio will soon have her SPANISH PASSPORT as she filed the correct paperwork with the Spanish authorities, and had a letter from a Spanish woman saying she has been living in Spain nonstop for the last three years. (BTW: this would never work in France. Too strict on immigration)

If an illegally smuggled-Peruvian woman can get an EU/Spansih passport;..then you can to.

Look into it.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Doubtful. Very doubtful.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I should probably clarify here.
Firstly, different nationalities are given different kinds of opportunities. In many cases, this has to do with former colonies, or just colonization. For example, people from former French colonies in Africa take an entirely different legal route into France than someone from North America. In the case of the Peruvian lady mentioned, there is quite likely a different law that pertains to citizens of countries in South America, as Spain was a major colonizer, along with Portugal, of the region. There may very well be the perspective that the person in question could likey be of Spanish descent, even though it's long ago now.

Secondly, if you think this will apply to North Americans or Aussies and Kiwis, please do try it. Go to the immigration officials, explain that you've been living in Spain (illegally) for three years, and that you therefore feel that you should be given legal papers.

If this is successful, please post here. I'll do it myself. But I'm gonna eat my hat (to use my Dear Olde Dad's phrase) if it works.

Caledonian Craig · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 34

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

I can also tell you of an instance of an American citizen living in Paris illegally for many years, who went to the POLICE and explained his situation, and was given PUBLIC HOUSING and health benefits,etc....

So legal loopholes like this do not only apply to "former colonized citizens".

Just an idea, folks....

Caledonian Craig · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 34

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

That is quite a rude response. I am trying to be helpful.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

vashdown, thanks, but what you've got to offer is essentially unsubstantiated rumor.

You're getting negative reactions because many of us who are regulars on the forum spend lots of time trying to be sure that the starry-eyed newbies heading to Spain go there with realistic expectations about their chances for finding some legal loophole. It can happen, but it's extremely rare, and requires specialised sets of circumstances we can't possibly forecast.

The nature of this forum is obviously to give the best general advice and information we can. Your post doesn't forward those aims.

Caledonian Craig · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 34

Caledonian Craig · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 34

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Yes, that too, of course. I'm just tired of being bashed for making the point from the legality standpoint. Everyone wants to think that he/she will be the exception.
Further, they are gonna go anyway, and it IS important that they have realistic expectations.

Nicky_McG · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 190

Why is it that a lot of the Americans on thsi board seem to think they have a god given right to work in the EU?? I wonder what most of them would think this same message had been posted on a Mexican website regarding entry to the USA. I would love to live in New York but it is too difficult for me to get permission. Am I going to go anyway? No, of course not. If you can�t legally work in Europe then you shouldn�t come. I don�t care if "you love Spain" or whatever. We can work here and you can�t...deal with it.

Caledonian Craig · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 34

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I'm in total agreement, but have still been (unfortunately often) of having to counsel ____ people (I am carefully leaving adjectives out of this sentence) who ARE going to do it anyway.

There is a widespread perception that, just because so many people DO IT, it's ok.

I think a big problem is the sheer numbers of Cool Young North Americans (& Aussies etc) who get away with a fun, illegal gap year or two, and spend quite a lot of time on forums like this talking about how great it all is and how no one should be worried about any negative consequences.

I mean, just scroll down through this forum and take a toll....it's an immense problem.

I have tried for a long time to point out the risks of living/working illegally. You're right - the more fool them - but if I can discourage even a few, or at least alert them to the dangers, then I'll keep patiently slogging along.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

still have been in the position of (left out phrase, sorry!)

Also, please don't imagine that I capitolized the phrase 'do it' as some subliminal message that I'm advocating working/living illegally!

I'm just having a fragmented day Embarassed