Juan de Recacochea’s American Visa: A Symbol of Hope and a Means of Salvation
Juan de Recacochea’s American Visa: A Symbol of Hope and a Means of Salvation

Summary/Abstract: This paper innovatively discusses the presence of consular affairs as a specific part of diplomatic activity in the internationally acclaimed novel American Visa by Juan de Recacoechea. It focuses on the way the author perceives consular affairs and issuing visas as one of the most identified consular functions, with a reference to the applicant, his plans, social background and personal destiny, depending on the outcome of the application process. It uncovers psychological aspects of the applicant as well as those of consular officers and their supporting personnel. Consulates issue visas to persons who wish to enter the sending state or transit through it. American visas are viewed in the eyes of applicants from less developed countries as an entry ticket to a better life. The novel presents a set of detailed and complicated rules and procedures established to prove validity of each application as well as a range of practical, legal and other steps to obtain the visa for any price. The novel discussed is a masterpiece of related literature.

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