The Myth You Were Told #

When you apply for a visa, you imagine:

• 37 documents
• 12 bank statements
• Your great-grandfather’s birth certificate
• Blood type
• School report from 1998
• A letter from your neighbor confirming you are “morally acceptable”
• Two photos where you look both serious and hopeful simultaneously

And of course:

“Please explain in 9,000 words why you deserve to exist in our country.”

You rehearse your suffering.
You practice looking humble.

You learn phrases like:

• “temporary visit”
• “strong ties to home country”
• “I swear I will come back”
• “I love my job very much please believe me”

You bring folders.
Not one.
Three.

One labeled FINANCIAL PROOF.
One labeled LIFE TRAGEDIES.
One labeled JUST IN CASE.

You think somewhere deep inside the embassy, a wise panel debates your destiny.

“Hmm… his bank balance is only $2,143… but look… he attached a poem… approve him.”

You think it’s emotional.
You think it’s personal.
You think they care.
Adorable.