IN the Asian Journal’s Midweek edition on Wednesday, Feb. 17, I shared the advice of Atty. Lou Tancinco, The Filipino Channel’s Pinoy Panawagan Legal Counsel, on why eligible kababayans should apply for naturalization to be US citizens.
Tancinco outlined the benefits: family unity, avoiding separation, vivic engagement, federal employment, ease of travel.
This topic has resonated well among Filipinos in America who are still delaying the application process from their end, even when they are already raising their own families in the United States. Many cited the cost of applying for naturalization as an issue, while others just can’t find the time or are satisfied for now to enjoy the benefits of having their green card which allows them to live and work in the US legally.
Some individuals expressed that they would apply for US citizenship if either Binay, Duterte, Roxas, Santiago or even Poe, end up winning the presidency in the Philippines, a sign of resigned helplessness for the Motherland if their candidate of choice does not win.
Others like Jacqui Conclara intimated very strong emotional reasons of turning their backs, officially, from their Filipino citizenship to embrace being new Americans. Concara said, “I still haven’t, too. I must admit there is still that pull of nationalism in my heart. This year is decision year for me.”
Fil-Am community leader and immigration lawyer and activist Atty. Arnedo Valera echoed Atty. Lou Tancinco’s advice, and said kababayans like Conclara can apply for dual citizenship so as not to totally abandon being Filipino.
Valera also said: “A very important and pragmatic reason is that Green Card Holders are still deportable or can still be deported. We have several clients who have green cards for years and do not want to apply for personal reasons. And by mistake were falsely accused of committing crimes and to buy peace enter a guilty plea, not knowing the immigration consequences of the plea are placed in removal or deportation proceedings. Aside from costly legal fees in removal representation, potentially you can be deported. As I always say, ‘accidents in life happen.’ At the earliest opportunity, apply for [a] green card. How many times [do] we hear the cliche ‘you have nothing to lose but everything to gain?’ Just do it.”
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Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
