I Am in Brazil and Can’t Pay My U.S. Debt. Will I be Stopped at the Border? – Carlos

“Dear Steve,

I’m from Brazil and from 1997 to 2000. I attended university in the US with a student visa.

I was a fulltime student and wasn’t allowed to work. I depended on my parents in Brazil to send me money for tuition and expenses.

At one point I got 4 credit cards issued by american banks that I used to help me buy books and equipment needed for my studies.

After 1998 the dollar x real exchange rate jumped to 1:3 and I end up falling back on all 4 credit card payments, up to $5000 total.

I then called a Company to consolidate credit card payments and did make payments for a couple of months.

Eventually my father retired and they were no longer able to pay for any of my expenses in the US and I had to go back to Brazil leaving all the financial troubles opened behind.

What happens now if I had to go back to the US for some reason? Will I have problems entering the US?

How do I check my balance due since I do not have the credit card numbers nor credit card issuer names any longer?

Carlos”

Dear Carlos,

Stuff happens. Sorry to hear you’re in this bind now.

First, let me assure you that you will not be stopped from entering the United States because of a debt problem. If border patrol stopped everyone with money troubles, nobody would get in.

The only way to find out what the current status is of the debt would be to call the companies or get a copy of your consolidated credit report. You can do that online using your last known U.S. address. This would be the quickest and easiest way to get the creditor name that owns the debt, balance reported, and contact information for the creditor.

Are you thinking of coming back to live or just to visit?

Please update me on your progress by

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