Originally Posted by
Cometintintin
Actually, you dont need an Italian Visa, you need an European Comuniti Visa, so if I were you, I would apply in the Spanish Consulate, or the french... Of course, you would have to make a plane reservation to Madrid or Paris for the purpose of presenting the documents... So if Italian consulate is giving you a hard time... go for Schengen Visa issued by another European Copuntry.
I agree that this is pretty dangerous advice, as you will create a data signature that looks damning even if your intentions are pure. As I said up top, your problem is employment status, and proving that you are expected back in the States to resume an established job is probably all that's needed here.