Forgive the long missive, but I must digress to get to my question.
I'll soon be 62. I grew up farming in California until my father died when I was 19 and mom had to sell the farm to get out of debt.
I then went to college but discovered a need for remodel construction, so placed an ad offering to do carpentry. I soon had a growing business and quit school to go full-time. I married and raised a family. As an aside, we purchased blighted properties, fixed them up as quality rentals, improving neighborhood quality of life.
During this time I endeavored to become an airline pilot, receiving my airline transport certificate in 1990 and flew for a major US carrier until 2001.
In 2006 I sold my properties and started a company developing a technology which uses catalytic thermal hydro cracking to convert a wide range of organic waste streams (municipal and industrial) into diesel fuel. The company is now going through SEC due diligence to be listed on a public exchange in the next year. Understand that I invested my life savings to start the company, such was my commitment. An IPO value will probably be in the $10-$20 million range.
This year, the last of my children will leave the nest to attend law school, leaving us empty nesters, save our Labrador retriever.
My wife will retire from her job of 25 years in the next year or two..
We purchased a lot on Roatan several years ago, thinking we would retire there or perhaps split our time there and elsewhere, but have changed our minds do to the influx of high-income types, ruining the quaintness of the island.
Meanwhile I made a serious blunder, by stepping into a political snare which may cost all that I have worked for.
We live in Nevade and occasionally enjoy target shooting on the desert. A few days ago my wife and I decided to go out to sight-in a couple of rifles that had new optics. While on the desert, my 83 year old widowed mother called and asked if we could come and fix a sudden plumbing leak at her home in Callifornia, about 3 hours drive. So we diverted to her house, did the repair and spent the night.
Next evening we returned home, but were stopped by California police, literally 100 feet from the NV border for driving 5mph over the posted limit. We were harassed and searched, revealing the rifles, which are a type that is illegal in California, but perfectly legal in 48 other states. I must now face arraignment on felony counts with possible prison time.
You may take a dim view of guns, but understand that we are not gun nuts and keep them primarily as a symbol of our support of 2nd amendment rights and heritage.
Yes, stupid mistake, but no nefarious or diabolical intent. Still current politics being what they are, the state will prosecute. The specter of prison near the end of a productive, law-abiding life is literally nauseating. Upon reflection, I am unwilling to spend even a single day in jail having committed no crime and after living a productive, law-abiding life.
My wife and I are considering the possibility of leaving everything and seeking refuge for what remains of our lives. If we flee, there will certainly be no going back.
My question is if there is any way that we might legally immigrate to Ecuador or other Latin country? There are currently no warrants but I expect that there will be if I fail to appear.
Our resources are very limited, since we have invested nearly everything into this start-up company.. We will have about $100k plus my wife's modest pension and some social security.
I could farm or build or..?
I am in reasonably good health and could work for another decade or more.
Does anyone know if a long-term visa can be had under these circumstances?
Ecuador
Living in Ecuador Guide
Ecuador Forum
Contribute
Best Places to Live in Ecuador
Healthcare in Ecuador
Moving to Ecuador Guide
Pros & Cons of Living in Ecuador
10 Tips for Living in Ecuador