Being a foreigner is never easy, but inflexible bureaucracy never helps foreigners feel welcome. In my experience, both First & Third World nations are very much alike when it comes to immigration. My Mexican ex lived illegally in the US for over 10 years before finally getting that coveted Green Card. He actually became a US citizen while we were together, & I helped him study for the exam. Good thing I paid attention in Civics class!
Lately I’ve been trying to outline my year (work, projects, trips, etc.) just so I stay on track & keep the momentum going. But of course, Argie immigration has completely screwed up my plans.
Since my temporary, 2-year residency is up for renewal soon, I knew there would be some bureaucratic hurdles to jump through… but this is crazy. I have to renew my residency ONE DAY before it expires. Not earlier, not later, but exactly one day prior to the expiration date. That’s really no big deal, but the date it was issued is huge problem for me. My appearance at Immigration on May 15th is the worst timing I can think of.
For the past 7 years I’ve spent April, May & June in Spain & Portugal either doing tours for Rick Steves or researching & writing guidebooks. Those plans are now screwed. I usually count on that big injection of cash too. Now I don’t know when that will come. It has also screwed with my plans to go to Memphis in April to help my mom when she retires. That’s Family, Work, & Finance all messed up for now.
I’m sure things will work out. They always do. Getting another two-year permit is the last step before becoming a permanent resident, so that’s a high priority for me. This is my home after all. But now I need to live a bit more frugal than before since I have no idea when extra cash is coming in. I’ve been paying huge amounts on my student loans because I was counting on a big May paycheck… as I do every year. Oops. At least I have a ton of reservations for March & April walks around Buenos Aires. I certainly wouldn’t have taken so much time off if I had known about this earlier. Live & learn. But in case someone sees me asking for cash on the corner of Santa Fe & Callao, please drop a peso in the can or give me a bottle of wine :))
[A little lo-fi nostalgia… original content from Line of Sight, reposted to commemorate 20 years of blogging. Learn more.]