In an exclusive interview, we delved into the story of a Chinese national, referred to as Xiao Dong, who has been unable to return to the U.S. due to visa complications. For years, his luxury Maserati has remained parked, while his landlord, Tina, has taken on the responsibility of occasionally driving it.
Xiao Dong had been living in Arcadia and launched a car import-export business in 2020. However, by early 2022, he found himself in a precarious situation. His tourist visa was nearing expiration, and he attempted to travel to Mexico with the hope of re-entering the U.S. to renew his visa. Unfortunately, customs officials at the Mexican border denied him entry, citing his business activities in the U.S. as exceeding the limits of his tourist visa. He then returned to Canada, where he has legal status, and sought legal help to sort out his circumstances in the hopes of returning to the States.
Tina recounted the abrupt nature of Xiao Dong’s departure. He left many belongings unpacked, and she took charge of his personal items. Despite hiring a lawyer to challenge his situation, the legal battle stretched on for over a year, ultimately resulting in a five-year ban on his re-entry into the U.S. This development has left his cherished Maserati in need of regular upkeep.
Xiao Dong purchased the Maserati in June 2021 for $40,000, putting down $7,000 and agreeing to monthly payments of about $700. Even after being barred from the U.S., he hesitated to sell the car, continuing his payments until July of this year. Tina pointed out that he only drove the car for eight months before his visa troubles began, and he now faces over $17,000 in debt on the vehicle, putting him at risk of repossession. To keep the car in good condition, she drives it regularly to maintain the battery and ensure it receives necessary maintenance, including yearly registration renewal.
Tina shared that despite his challenges, Xiao Dong paid a year’s rent in advance, holding onto hope for a return to the U.S. During this time, she refrained from renting out his room. He had left approximately $1,500 as a deposit, which she utilized for mailing important items and managing the car’s maintenance expenses. Throughout this ordeal, she has covered the costs of gas and registration while keeping the car running. However, since the loan payments have ceased, the vehicle is now at risk of repossession, which would relieve her of the obligation to maintain it.
From a legal standpoint, immigration attorney Liu Longzhu provided insight into the complexities surrounding tourist visas and business ownership. He explained that foreigners can establish companies in the U.S. without any specific identity requirements, regardless of their residency status. However, foreign nationals cannot work for the companies they own; they can only act as owners, as employment would violate the terms of a tourist visa. While investment is allowed under a tourist visa, employment is not.
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