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Jose Antonio Vargas attempts to define relationship with his mother
Here’s a teaser of Jose’s film “Documented.” By Cristina DC Pastor “I haven’t seen my mom in 20 years. I don’t know how to talk about that. It’s too painful to talk about her.” In a free-wheeling discussion with Filipino journalists in April, Jose Antonio Vargas spoke about the woman who gave him up so ...
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My mom: Realizing the American Dream at 82
By Suzanne Lansangan-Sabangan The front door of my condominium opened at 10 a.m. with my mother poking her head in and telling me she was ready. The swearing-in was to begin at 1:30 p.m. That was not new to me as she always made sure she was one or two hours early for any appointment, ...
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Even legal immigrants feel the ‘uncertainty and isolation’
“My migration journey feels like a long wait at the doctor’s office,” said Edna Sabino, a pre-school teacher in Jersey City. “Uncertain and anxiety-laden. Sabino migrated to the U.S. in 2003 and was petitioned by an employer through an H1-B visa. She is still waiting for her permanent resident card. “It is already hard for ...
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Time for you to become American
By Rio Guerrero “I’m sorry. But based upon current U.S. immigration law, there really is nothing that I – or anyone else – can do for you at this time. I know that you and your family did not come to me today expecting or wanting to hear this news. And, I hate to give ...
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Senate bill is first step toward meaningful immigration reform; has a provision on amnesty
By Dennis Ortiguera On April 17, 2013, eight U.S. senators introduced the highly anticipated immigration reform bill entitled “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013.” This bill is the result of a bipartisan effort from both Republicans and Democrats. This is the first step towards a meaningful and practical comprehensive immigration reform. ...
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Immigrant voices harmonize storytelling, music, humor in ‘Where I’m From’ radio show
On Saturday, April 20th, 2013, the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism will host a radio show onstage in the Marlin Room of NYC’s historic Webster Hall. “Where I’m From” will mix entertainment, journalism, and commentary in a big-hearted mash-up that reflects the talents, experiences, and contributions of New York’s diaspora populations. The program will be ...
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Carlos Bulosan poem to highlight Asian/Pacific Heritage Month in May
The White House announced that the theme for this year’s celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, is: “I Want the Wide American Earth,” a poem by acclaimed Filipino American writer Carlos Bulosan. The poem was chosen by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center to highlight the event. The White House ...
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‘I’m gay, I’m undocumented, I’m done coming out’ (Part 2)
On how he handles criticisms: I’m a trained writer so I’ve developed a thick skin. Thankfully, that prepared me for all the criticisms that come my way every day. Some of it is constructive, a lot of it is projection. People are just projecting anger, frustration, some jealousy. And I have no control over that. ...
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Jose Antonio Vargas: ‘If you think I’m not Filipino that’s your problem, that’s not my problem’
By Cristina DC Pastor Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and undocumented immigrant Jose Antonio Vargas did not enter the Pan de Sal bake shop for the March 29 Kapihan forum of the Filipino American Press Club of New York. He bounced into it. A cup of coffee in one hand and two thin books under his arm, ...