November 25, 2013 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Here are just a few of the alarming statistics that underscore the importance of recognizing such a day and taking part in ending violence against women. From the United Nations: 603 million women live in countries where domestic violence is not yet considered […]
USCIS Memo on Visa Waiver Program and Adjustment of Status: On November 14, 2013, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum clarifying the eligibility of individuals who last entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to adjust status to permanent resident (green card). The VWP allows qualifying foreign nationals from […]
With the Philippines suffering the devastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that Filipino nationals in the U.S. may be eligible for certain immigration measures. In a news release issued last week, USCIS noted that a natural disaster may affect an individual’s ability to establish or maintain lawful immigration status in the U.S. […]
It has been 10 days since Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded, first hit the Philippines and left in its wake a nation devastated and in desperate need of aid. As a Filipino American with extended family in the Philippines, this disaster struck a chord close to my heart. The personal […]
Today we celebrate the men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces, past and present. As the son of a U.S. Marine, I have a special appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve our country in the military. Over the years, my father has shared with me several stories of the dangers, struggles, […]
Yesterday, the United States Marine Corps celebrated its 238th birthday. On this Veterans Day, I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to my father and all those tough leathernecks who have served and are currently serving. The Marine Corps helped shape my father into a great man and I am eternally grateful and proud […]
Entrepreneurial spirit has long been a prized trait that has driven progress and innovation throughout the history of the United States. However, America, known as a nation of immigrants, has not exactly opened its doors to allow entrepreneurs to immigrate to the country. Instead, as the current immigration laws stand, options are limited for those […]
June 26, 2013, SCOTUS RULED DOMA UNCONSTITUTIONAL: This week we witnessed history. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional for its unequal treatment of same-sex married individuals, and a chorus of millions across the United States rejoiced. As Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the 5-4 majority […]
Radio Interview on Immigration Reform and Deportation: Earlier this week, 400 groups urged President Obama to suspend deportations for those who would otherwise qualify for lawful status under the pending Senate immigration reform bill. On Wednesday, WBEZ (91.5 Chicago) kindly invited me to appear for their Afternoon Shift program to talk about immigration reform, deportation, […]
One of the fundamental themes of comprehensive immigration reform 2013 has been its ability to bring together the unlikeliest of pairs. By now, the idea of labor and business shacking up in support of immigration reform is old news. Likewise, we have all grown accustomed to Senators Schumer and McCain praising each other for their […]
The Immigration Pages 