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A self-deported immigrant’s long goodbye
By Richardmomar Yapo Cuanang The final verdict on my American journey was handed down on May 8, 2013. The immigration judge asked if I understood the consequences of a voluntary departure plea. I said yes. It was bound to happen. My lawyer James Cyrus III had prepared me for the possibility of self-deportation in view […]
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LGBT FilAms mobilize for immigration reform for Gay Pride parade
Gay and lesbian Filipino Americans will be marching in the June 30 Gay Pride March under the banner of Pin@y Pride Month. The announcement was made by the Barangay-New York and BAYAN-USA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTIQ) Caucus in a statement. In urging queer FilAms to join the march, they said to […]
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Raid of 7-Eleven yields exploited Filipino workers, abuser Filipino manager
Ramon Nanas, 49, of Great River, New York was one of nine 7-Eleven store owners and managers indicted for allegedly exploiting undocumented workers. The U.S. Department of Justice said the employees of several 7-Eleven convenience stores spread across Long Island in New York and Norfolk, Virginia were exploited, their wages stolen and were required to […]
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‘Superman is an immigrant’ (and Jose Antonio Vargas is Clark Kent)
Born on Krypton, Superman, or Kal-El came to America with the promise of Hope, the symbol he bears on his chest. “Many of our families also have a history of immigration. We share Superman’s hope and we continue his fight for truth, justice and the American Way,” says a press statement announcing a new ‘Superman […]
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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. […]