Hammer and sickle tattoo

[usurper 3]

Hey. I have a hammer and sickle tattoo on my chest and arm, and am filing for CR-1. The hammer and sickle is a symbol of communism. As you are aware, Americans do not take kindly to communists. I believe the law even goes so far as to state that communists are incapable of becoming American citizens via naturalization. I understand that during the CR-1 process you will undergo a medical exam - I am wondering if during this they will make note of the tattoo. Does anyone have experience? And are there any other steps in the journey where they might notice said tattoos?

Thank you.

I apologize if I posted this in the wrong forum, move at your discretion, moderators.

Edited February 9, 2013 by usurper

[SamanthaL 45]

You could just make sure they are covered up during the interview? and I doubt at the medical they will say anything about tattoos.

Edited February 9, 2013 by SamanthaL

[speedwell 224]

Part of the forms they make you fill out are statements you have to check saying you've never engaged in various sorts of obviously criminal acts, oppression, or violence advocacy. The tattoo itself isn't the issue, it's extra questioning you may face at the interview because of it. It is not illegal to be a Communist in the US. The acts I mentioned are illegal acts. So long as you have had no involvement in them you are probably OK.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Are you really a communist or did you just get a tattoo? That is the difference.

To Samantha: Tattoos can be a part of a medical, because many tattoos can reveal the person's involvement in organized crime or gangs. Covering it up is not an option.

[pushbrk 12,286]

Hey. I have a hammer and sickle tattoo on my chest and arm, and am filing for CR-1. The hammer and sickle is a symbol of communism. As you are aware, Americans do not take kindly to communists. I believe the law even goes so far as to state that communists are incapable of becoming American citizens via naturalization. I understand that during the CR-1 process you will undergo a medical exam - I am wondering if during this they will make note of the tattoo. Does anyone have experience? And are there any other steps in the journey where they might notice said tattoos?

Thank you.

I apologize if I posted this in the wrong forum, move at your discretion, moderators.

Depending on the country, being an actual member of the Communist Party, can be a problem for the visa. Read the questions on the DS230. If none apply to you, then no worries.

[Villanelle 4,121]

Tattoos can pose an issue.

In the medical- depending on the tattoo (style, how many you have, etc-) its profiling, but its happening- "Panel physicians are asking applicants about the meaning of their tattoos and the medical personnel conducting the exam will take notes describing the tattoo. This interrogation could lead to further questions about the applicant’s possible gang affiliation and criminal history. Applicants with tattoos are also being questioned by the panel physician regarding their substance abuse history. Apparently, panel physicians are making the assumption that applicants with tattoos are more likely to do or abuse drugs. If the beneficiary admits to any drug use, Consulates will use this information against the applicant in order to deny the visa by making a substance abuse finding against them."

So if the Dr sees your tattooed hes going to profile you as a potential drug user and question you more heavily about if you have a drug history. For the OP, if he sees the tattoo, he may make a note of it and the CO may question you about it.

You may be denied a visa if the CO feels your tattoo means you have communist ties or gang ties. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303933404577505192265987100.html

Later on the tattoo can be an issue in a joint interview with your spouse if youre asked about it and you and your spouse have varying answers about if you have any tattoos and what they mean.

[NikLR 13,220]

I think the tattoo and drug user idea is going to be very country specific. There are many many MANY people who have tattoos that have never touched an illegal drug or abused legal ones. Gone are the days in the USA where tattoos associated with gangs, promiscuity, and drugs. Granted if someone has a known gang related tattoo that is different. But in general a tattoo is not an issue. I have 2, I have friends who have multiple tattoos and we are not druggies, alcoholics, gang members etc... The one friend has it on her wrist and works for the provincial government at the courthouse.

Because of the nature of the OP's tattoo it will probably have to be explained. Like its also been explained as long as you have not been a part of illegal activities, you should not have any problems.

[usurper 3]

Thank you for your responses.

Yes, I am a communist, but I am not currently, nor have I ever been, in any way, shape or form, affiliated with any communist parties, or any parties which were formerly classified as "communist". Whatever political involvement I may or may not have partaken in would have been conducted in a highly private and anonymous manner and enviroment. I am also NOT a national of a country which has at some point in its history been under the rule of a so-called Communist Party. I am a national of a western european country, a non major and very low-risk country. I do not have a criminal record of any kind, nor have I had one which has been purged. I do not now, nor have I ever, used, taken, abused, whatever, anything that is classified as an illegal drug.

My U.S. citizen has no criminal history short of various minor traffic violations. She also does not now, nor has ever, used, taken, abused, etc., anything that is classified as an illegal drug. She has no tattoos, but is left-leaning and if USCIS decides to simply google her, they will likely come to the same conclusion, that she is left-leaning, ie. left not as in liberal but left as in actual left.

I am aware that being a communist is not necessarily a crime in the United States, however, from what I understand there is an actual law that more or less bars communists from becoming United States citizens through naturalization.

uscis.gov/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-9771.html - Quite an interesting read.

Edited February 9, 2013 by usurper

[speedwell 224]

Thank you for your responses.

Yes, I am a communist, but I have not affiliated myself with any communist parties, or any parties which were formerly classified as "communist". Whatever political involvement I may or may not have partaken in has been conducted in a highly private and anonymous manner and enviroment. I am also NOT a national of a country which has at some point in its history been under the rule of a so-called Communist Party. I am a national of a western european country, a non major and very low-risk country. I do not have a criminal record of any kind, nor have I had one which has been purged. I do not now, nor have I ever, used, taken, abused, whatever, anything that is classified as an illegal drug.

My U.S. citizen has no criminal history short of various minor traffic violations. She also does not now, nor has ever, used, taken, abused, etc., anything that is classified as an illegal drug. She has no tattoos, but is left-leaning and if USCIS decides to simply google her, they will likely come to the same conclusion, that she is left-leaning, ie. left not as in liberal but left as in actual left.

I am aware that being a communist is not necessarily a crime in the United States, however, from what I understand there is an actual law that more or less bars communists from becoming United States citizens through naturalization.

uscis.gov/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-9771.html - Quite an interesting read.

Then as others have pointed out, it is only an issue if someone thinks you are part of a gang, in which case you can point to your criminal history that is pure enough for you to search for the Holy Grail.

[pushbrk 12,286]

Thank you for your responses.

Yes, I am a communist, but I am not currently, nor have I ever been, in any way, shape or form, affiliated with any communist parties, or any parties which were formerly classified as "communist". Whatever political involvement I may or may not have partaken in would have been conducted in a highly private and anonymous manner and enviroment. I am also NOT a national of a country which has at some point in its history been under the rule of a so-called Communist Party. I am a national of a western european country, a non major and very low-risk country. I do not have a criminal record of any kind, nor have I had one which has been purged. I do not now, nor have I ever, used, taken, abused, whatever, anything that is classified as an illegal drug.

My U.S. citizen has no criminal history short of various minor traffic violations. She also does not now, nor has ever, used, taken, abused, etc., anything that is classified as an illegal drug. She has no tattoos, but is left-leaning and if USCIS decides to simply google her, they will likely come to the same conclusion, that she is left-leaning, ie. left not as in liberal but left as in actual left.

I am aware that being a communist is not necessarily a crime in the United States, however, from what I understand there is an actual law that more or less bars communists from becoming United States citizens through naturalization.

uscis.gov/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-9771.html - Quite an interesting read.

You are applying for an immigrant visa, not naturalization. So, even if there is such a law, it does not apply to your visa process. You can live legally and happily ever after in the USA without ever becoming a citizen. Citizenship is optional.

From the rest of what you write above, I would consider your tattoo a non-issue for the visa process.

[Jahwaree 83]

Someone mention covering your tat...if U R going to, make sure that a picture is taken of the original tat before U delete or try to delete

When its removed with no one but U to vouch what was there B4 it raises a red-flag, when medical is done the Dr does make notes if U have

a/some tats, and depending on what country U are from at times the CO can be picky about tats as in Honduras, and some other Spanish countries,

but at times I understand they dont question it, just be honest if asked explain yourself...best wishes

[ndu26 114]

Someone mention covering your tat...if U R going to, make sure that a picture is taken of the original tat before U delete or try to delete

When its removed with no one but U to vouch what was there B4 it raises a red-flag, when medical is done the Dr does make notes if U have

a/some tats, and depending on what country U are from at times the CO can be picky about tats as in Honduras, and some other Spanish countries,

but at times I understand they dont question it, just be honest if asked explain yourself...best wishes

good point as I was thinking alongthe same line. It does not seem it will be so big an issue from posts here butIF you decide to cover or erase it, have the tattoo photographed in case someone starts to wonder what was there previously and if you are trying to cover up something else.

[Penguin_ie 5,988]

**** one personal attack and one post quoting same removed. Post constructive advice or do not post. ***

[speedwell 224]

**** one personal attack and one post quoting same removed. Post constructive advice or do not post. ***

Thanks very much.

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

In my opinion, you may face a bit more intense questioning about that tattoo but according to what you posted above, it certainly shouldn't cause a denial.

Good luck