Headlines

U.S. Immigration Red Tape Preventing Jeweler from Visiting Dying Mother

Published

8 years ago

January 8, 2016

INSTORE Staff

He has been battling the immigration system for years.

Harold van Beek, owner of Jewelry By Harold in North Liberty, IA, says that he’s unable to visit his dying mother in the Netherlands because crossing the border would jeopardize his business, local news affiliate KCRG reports.

Van Beek, the report adds, has lived in the U.S. for more than a decade, but his visa only permits him to operate a small business and does not allow him to become a citizen. He told KCRG that by crossing the border, his visa would be voided and he may not be allowed to return to the country, putting his business and the immigration status of his family at risk. “The only thing that I am asking, let me come back in the same status that I am in right now just to say farewell to my mom, that’s the only thing that I am asking.”

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Wilkerson: “They Feel Like Family”

Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., was a true institution. But after being at the helm for most of his life, owner (and descendent of the original founder) Kelly Newton decided it was time to retire. He chose Wilkerson to handle the sale. “I’ve known the owners of Wilkerson for a long, long time. I felt at home with them,” he says. The final retirement sale was just a “blast” and the Wilkerson sales team made it so very simple and straightforward, says Newton. Would he recommend Wilkerson to others? Absolutely. “They’ve done incredible work,” says Newton. “They feel like family.”