Has anyone ever experienced discrimination in Latin America? If so,tell me your story.?

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annezwevil

I'm living it right now!

I am married to a Colombian and have lived in Medellin for 12 years. At all times I have had a permanent resident visa and work authorization.

In January of this year I was hired to be an international business professor in a reputable university. At some point in the first month of work, someone with some authority in the personnel department came up with the erroneous idea that I was living and working illegally. I was suspended from my job with zero notice. They then required a ton of documents before they would allow me back to work. I did get a signed agreement that I would be allowed back, so I thought I was safe. I've spent two months and a thousand some dollars meeting all of their requirements. Now that I've presented them with everything they've asked for, the dean said he didn't care who I was or where I came from, but I was now in Colombia and would have to accept the way they do things in Colombia. Since I was so "problematic" he decided he would never hire me. So this will no have to go to the justice system.

I think the recent wave of news about the US immigration policy debate is increasing discrimination. Though we are trying to limit illegal immigration, many in Latin America are taking it as a direct offense against Latin Americans in general. Many seem to feel that if US doesn't want them, then they don't want us either.

I would be glad to speak with you at length if you would like any more anecdotes from a US citizen in Colombia.

Tastykake

No, it's been a very long time ago, but when I was in Colombia (Bogota, Cali, Armenia) everyone was very nice and courteous, even while walking through some of the poorer neighborhoods everyone was friendly and outgoing.

minus

No, not in Latin America/ I live in Asia but am from the States. You may as well face the fact that if you are different you will find discrimination no matter where you go. People from the US and Europe quite often forget when they travel to another nation they are the foreigner and not the people living there. Think about what comes to your mind when you see people from other lands that look and speak different than you. Do not be very concerned about such things unless it is putting you in harms way. There is not a day that goes by that I don't get some remark because i am white and not like the local people. When away from the area where I live people try to get me to pay more than normal price and even try to sell me fake items claiming they are not. Such is life and I actually have fun with it. There is no way I am going to stop it so make the best of it. Above all do not get angry and cause a scene in public. Discrimination is every place in one form or another. always has and always will be so get used to it and deal with it.

italian05!

well, when we first came to costa rica to live (about 10 years ago) people made us pay things much more expensive than they actually were. also when we went to get our "cÃ©dulas" they took sooo long because all the people that were ticos got priority even if they got there so much later. but o well, i love CR!!! pura vidaaaaa!

romanaround_sc

I have traveled to Peru, Chile, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, and Mexico. I am as white and as American as anyone could possibly be, and have never had any trouble with the Latinos while down there. They all love my business and love trying to speak english to me while I try to speak spanish to them.

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