Last push for TPS for PH
IF you are still hoping immigration reform will pass this 2014, you may be in for a big disappointment. In a 180-degree turn from his more optimistic tone in January,…
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The ‘American Dream’
SEVERAL developments in immigration occurred this week, beginning with the possibility of raising the cost of acquiring US citizenship, if immigration reform pushes through. The current cost of filing for…
What types of taxes can you deduct?
LET’S review a few rules on federal, state, and local taxes: 1. California State Income Taxes in box 24 of your W2 are deductible. So are quarterly estimates paid by…
Employees misclassified as independent contractors awarded over $10 million
Courts look at several factors to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The most important factor is the employer’s right to control the worker’s manner…
Path to citizenship now available to family of active and non-active military
One of these great new benefits is the expansion of ‘Parole in Place’ to include the families of United States military veterans. ‘Parole in Place’has traditionally allowed the immediate relatives…
If you want to get out of debt, here’s what you need to change
EVERY day, I meet with a lot of people who are sick and tired of being in a financial mess but they are unwilling to pay the price of being…
Consul General De La Vega’s farewell call to the Office of Foreign Missions in LA
LOS ANGELES – Consul General Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega pays farewell to US Department of State, Office of Foreign Mission Assistant Regional Director Richard McCurry. Consul General De…
Fil-Am with leukemia appeals to community for marrow donor
Lovell Sevilla needs a marrow donor. In 23 years of her service to the community, she may have affected your family in a positive way and today she needs your…
Fil-Am USC professor co-leads Tacloban relief mission
LOS ANGELES – A team from the University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Social Work (led in part by Filipino-American Professor Annalisa Enrile) recently returned to the US from…
Pacquiao-Bradley’s unfinished business
Some things never change. A presscon with Manny Pacquiao is a field day that has the same ingredients — whether here at Beverly Hills Hotel or any other venue. A…
On fidelity
IT’S not everyday that we have a strong faith and prayer life. It’s not all the time that we’re passionate about living or we’re happy with our selves. There are…
Mike Adrao’s ‘Colony’ at Lopez Museum’s Complicated Exhibit
Lopez Museum opens its latest exhibit, “Complicated”, on February 20, in partnership with Tin-aw Art Gallery. Contemporary artist Mike Adrao’s charcoal on paper works collectively titled “Colony” consist of intricately…
A well-contented and fulfilled life at 58
One of the most difficult parts of meeting a deadline is when the writer decides to cover somebody who’s not only too familiar, but having had spent and shared life…
Waiver of joint petition to remove conditional permanent residency on a marriage entered less than two years
The Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 (IMFA) requires an alien obtaining a green card through a marriage less than two years old to come back at the end of…
Whether to file for Naturalization: Considerations and Requirements
Overview A key element under consideration by Congress as it debates a comprehensive immigration reform bill is whether a “pathway to citizenship” for the estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in…
Courts divided over home value dates for junior lien strip plans in Chapter 13
Homeowners like the idea of getting rid of the second trust deed on their residence in a bankruptcy. The second trust deed could be a home equity loan or home…
Filipinotown: Voices From Los Angeles for February 15, 2014 book launching at SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans)
3200 West Temple Street – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. “You have spawned a unique form of cultural activism not witnessed by the world in a long, long time.” Reme-Antonia Grefalda, Our…
H-1B filing season is here
STARTING April 1, 2014, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will begin accepting cap-subject filings in the H-1B classification. The April 1, 2014 filings are for employment beginning in…
Listening to and learning from you
A CRITICAL component of personalized patient care is cultivating the art of listening. One of the most important reasons we use social media is to be sure it’s easy for…
More on the Vhong Navarro-Deniece Cornejo drama, Kris Aquino’s new show with Boy Abunda
MANY were shocked when the news broke out that dancer/actor and TV host Vhong Navarro was beaten up by a group of men in a condo in Fort Bonifacio, Makati. …
E-cigarettes: Harmful
The world is always fascinated by new discovery and novelty. One such item is the electronic cigarettes. Since medical science has shown that there are around 4000 (not 400) toxic…
Renew your PH passport 2 months before traveling
SAN FRANCISCO—Is your Philippine passport still valid? If the answer is no, don’t wait until you have travel plans. Apply for your passport renewal at the earliest opportunity. Check if…
Enduring hormonal mischief
It is the new perspective coming into view in every woman’s major life passage: a mid-life agitation, literal and poignant. First, the gushing, like the reddening of a dying tree…
Reparation
IN one of his most remarkable songs, popular singer/songwriter Elton John said that sorry seems to be the hardest word. This is true for most people. A sincere apology is…
Triple victory for Pinoys in the Superbowl
YES, the National Football League championship game last Sunday, February 2, made us all want to snooze as early as the first quarter. The Seattle Seahawks, after all, “butchered” the…
Benito M. Miranda, Commissioner
COMMISSION ON AGING, TORRANCE, CA Benito M. Miranda has been a dedicated champion for the Filipino American community since his college days at Woodbury University in Los Angeles. He was…
2014: Year of the Wood Horse
Bright red lanterns, Chinese songs, lucky charms, lucky colors, assorted fruits and tikoy – these are just some of the elements that will give you a festive mood. The Chinese…
The Elysium, Philippine Style
I saw a movie the other night that reminded me of the Philippines. “Elysium,” starring Matt Damon and Jodie Foster, is set in the year 2154. It’s about a man-made…
A Palm Springs weekend
This year-round oasis is a timeless, limitless haven that spells an unparalleled sense of escape, adventure, recreation, and relaxation at your own unique way of playing. It is where you…
CA tax changes for 2013 tax returns
MINIMUM Wage –Minimum wage increases to $9 per hour effective July 1, 2014. Medical and Dental Expense Deduction – Federal law made it tougher to deduct medical expenses by raising…