Headlines

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

Published

10 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.”

How Howes Diamond Jewelers Closed a Location — and Opened the Door to What's Next

Dan Howes grew up in his family's jewelry business, eventually taking the helm of two locations his father launched in 1964. When it came time to consolidate, he turned to Wilkerson. "It was a pretty easy decision," Howes says, citing the company's strong reputation and a friend's successful experience. Wilkerson's proven sales roadmap delivered — meeting projected financial goals and guiding the process every step of the way. "This is their profession. They have it dialed in."