I hate to say I told ya so, but I did tell you so!  I have written in my other blog (365 Reasons I Love Costa Rica), as well as a Squidoo Lens on the topic, about the dangers of “marriages for convenience.”  In case you are puzzled by the phrase, it means getting married in order to obtain residency in this fine country.  It seems that this tactic is not just taken advantage of by well-meaning gringos seeking their slice of Pure Vida Paradise, but also by not so well-meaning mafioso types from neighboring countries who are just seeking a slice….maybe of your life!  Oscar Arias recently signed into law a measure that now makes such “arranged” marriages a crime in Costa Rica punishable by imprisonment of up to six years.  And it’s not just the “esposos” that will get hit with the charge, but also the lawyers that did the paperwork.  So if you were thinking of getting your residency this way, think again.  Of course, a real marriage inspired by true love will still work just fine….as long as your co-habitating under the same roof (and can prove it).