Vacation Apart

in #life7 years ago

I finally built up the courage to post about something bad that happened to me yesterday.

Have you ever planned for an expensive vacation and not have it go as planned? I can officially say that I have.

My wife and I don't travel often but when we do, we go out west (California/Nevada) or out east (Florida/Georgia) so we have never left the United States before. Let me tell you a secret about me... I am not a US Citizen. I was actually born in a Thailand refugee camp back in 1981 post-Vietnam War so I'm technically living in the US in asylum. I'll reserve the story for a future date.

Back to the story. Three months ago, my wife and a few of her friends decided to plan a vacation to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. This year marks the 10 year wedding anniversary for my wife and I so why not? We booked our vacation for a non-stop flight and at an all-inclusive hotel for close to $3,000. (The hotel is the one in the picture.) Shortly thereafter, I found out that to travel outside the US, one would need a US passport. I did my research by visiting government sites and speaking with US Immigrations officers. I had a meltdown when I was told I cannot get a passport because it's only reserved for US Citizens. "What do you mean?!?! I already paid for the trip!" However, they assured me with 100% confidence that I should be fine to leave and enter the US with my Permanent Resident card (aka green card). I called and spoke with two other US Immigration Officers and they told me the same thing. Great! Then I'm all set (or so I thought).

So yesterday morning, my wife and I met up with the group of friends at the airport. Going through check-in and the security checkpoint was a breeze. All was well until boarding time. When I handed the authorities my boarding pass with my green card, they pulled me aside and told me I needed a travel visa to enter Mexico because a green card will only allow me to leave and get back into the US but not to step on Mexican soil. 20 minutes later, they pulled my checked bag from the airplane and gave my wife the decision to board the plane or else they will be closing the gate. With her eyes red and teary from shock, I told her to go without me and that she would still be able to enjoy the vacation since her friends would be with her.

As of this moment, my wife is in Mexico for our anniversary vacation. She won't be home for another 3 days and has been calling me every chance she got. I keep telling her to do her best to enjoy the vacation with her friends because we already paid for the trip, but I know her heart wants to come home. Time ticks so slow when you're waiting for something/someone.

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Oh my God!!! What a terrible incident!!! But I'm waiting to hear more about the 'in asylum' story... I mean, if you were born in US ground (even if that was a refugee camp) shouldn't have the citizenship by now (if not since birth) ?? Amazing hotel by the way... but she'll be back soon to cheer you up, don't worry!!!

I know right?! Thanks for the comment, Penelope.

Oh yes, my background is quite unique. Technically, I'm a citizen of a communistic country. I would love to post about it sooner rather than later but I have to work on polishing up my history first. :)

he he don't worry, we won't shoot if you're not 100% accurate with historic details! But yeah, I'll be waiting for it soon - sounds so complicated...and ruining your anniversary vacation suuucks! Steem on until she gets back, I'm sure you'll have a lot of catch up to do when she does :)

I'm so sorry this happened, man. I hope you guys can celebrate that 10th anniversary when she gets back home. For all the good it would do you should file a formal complaint with immigration to see if, possibly, you might be eligible for some kind of settlement for the false information that they gave you.

Sorry to hear this. It doesn't make much sense, but some things don't. I hope she can enjoy herself.

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