Ok, here goes...I don't know if I should give my background details or goals first. I guess I'll do my background as my goals aren't completely concrete right now. I've also used the search function on this site prior to writing this post, just so you guys know.
Background:
I'm a 30 year-old single male U.S. citizen, born and raised. I have an Associate's Degree(A.A.) in English from a New Jersey based community college. I'm a native speaker of English, with a little knowledge of Spanish and more than a little knowledge of Dutch.
I have 2 minor criminal convictions on my record, both from 2006. The convictions are for "Loitering with intent to purchase narcotics." These were both "plea-downs" from the original charge of possesing under 50 grams of cannabis. Minor technicalities in my state disqualify me from expungement of these records.
Goals:
My goals are pretty flexible. Basically, I'm looking for ANY sort of way to achieve legitimate long-term residence in an EU member-state. My countries of preference are UK, Netherlands, Belgium, and to a lesser degree Germany. I'm not 100% sure that I wish to ultimately naturalize in any of these countries, but I've wanted to get my foot in the door since before my convictions.
What I'm wondering more than anything about is my bottom line. That is, does my record mean that I should just "give my dream up?" Do I stand some chance, or no chance at all of achieving my goals? Are there any Americans or former Americans here who has or have had a criminal record, and were still granted a visa/residence permit/work permit?
Like I said, I'm pretty flexible with things, and I want this in the worst way. Living in Europe has been a dream of mine for a long time now. With that said, there's a lot that I'm willing to do or give up. I'd be willing to pay for an immigration lawyer if it would actually help my situation, for instance. Or I'd be willing to marry an EU national from a member-state that recognizes dual-nationality strictly for immigration purposes, though that's a rather shady way to go about it, IMO.
I've racked my brain for some time over this issue. It's come to the point where it's affecting my overall happiness. I'm really kicking myself for being stupid enough to get caught with pot here and just want a chance to start my life over. As I said before, record expungement isn't an option for me so the only real way to achieve a new beginning from what I can see is to start fresh in a new country. I'm a morally decent guy who would pose no threat whatsoever to the public order or national security of any country I move to. I would do whatever it took to become a productive member of society, even if it meant starting at the bottom.
ANY sort of help will be much appreciated. Anyone here can PM me as well if there's any ideas that someone here might have that they don't wish to make public.
- FAQ
- Login
- Register
- Call Workpermit.com for a paid service +44 (0)344-991-9222
