He didn't get it because 3-4 years ago when he applied for a visitor visa, I had my parents write a letter of invitation inviting him to come visit. He was denied that visa and they asked about it again today, shortly after which he was denied as well.
I fucked up everything with that letter. I thought it would help...
I could teach English in Peru, and I have considered it in the past, but as Miasmata said, I'm not really keen on the idea (neither is he, for the same reasons I am) and I don't think I would be happy. The quality of life is much lower, my income would be very small, and I'd be giving up the career I've started to build as a chemist in the US (I have two big-name companies on my resume) since the chances of me doing the same in Peru are miniscule.