>Sorry you can't count me. The USA Consul said I wasn't "elegible" to go :-).

Saludos Enmanuel,

I suggest you try again. Perhaps a letter from Whil might help. Bring all the literature you can about the conference itself and about the work you do.

Judging from what happened to you and without seeing your picture, I guess you're under 30, probably a student, and triguenio.

When you go back, dress as nicely as possible, be polite, and if you're met with resistance, ask to speak to a supervisor.

The US consulates work mostly based on people's appearances. They can say that they don't discriminate until their throats go dry, but the truth is that they indeed do. Dress, skin color, mannerisms, socio-economic background, education, they all weigh HEAVILY on visa decisions.

Considering that a considerable amount of illegal immigrants come from la Quisqueya (Dominican Republic), during your last visit you were seen as someone who would go to NY, stay in Washington Heights, and become a waiter or buss-boy. It's up to you to show them that that's not what you have in mind.

Good luck!

Alex