Deferred action for DREAMers: The rules
The basic rules A CHILDHOOD arrival may seek DAS and an employment authorization document (EAD) if he: 1. Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; 2….
Read More
Jesus who re-enters into our world
JESUS’ resurrection scene this Sunday in the Gospel of John is filled with concrete images and questions, such as “going fishing”, “caught nothing”, “Anything to eat?”, “tucked in his garments”,…
The serendipitous encounter of Nena and Raymond Smith
“Love comes from the most unexpected places….” So goes Jose Feliciano’s old familiar tune that aptly applies to the serendipitous encounter of Nena Kaufman and Raymond Smith. Theirs is a…
‘A Day of Valor’ and remembrance
It was time once more to honor the men and women and what they died for, in a moment of celebration, despite the bloody cost. It is always a proud…
The Identifying Factor
IN October 2012, an international conference was held in Cape Town, Africa. Here, four of the world’s top forensic DNA experts did a presentation on “Forensic DNA Profiling and The…
Would this be the last year to short sale your house?
I BELIEVE that 2013 is going to be the “year of the short sale.” And THAT is a good thing! As I have always mentioned in the past, lenders will…
The serendipitous encounter of Nena and Raymond Smith
“Love comes from the most unexpected places….” So goes Jose Feliciano’s old familiar tune that aptly applies to the serendipitous encounter of Nena Kaufman and Raymond Smith. Theirs is a…
European Union’s biggest and exciting cultural showcase launched today, 11 April
“Viva Europa”, the European Union’s annual distinctive, rich and exciting cultural showcase was launched today, 11 April. This year’s celebrations bring to Manila the best of European art, music, dance, film, languages, food…
European Union's biggest and exciting cultural showcase launched today, 11 April
“Viva Europa”, the European Union’s annual distinctive, rich and exciting cultural showcase was launched today, 11 April. This year’s celebrations bring to Manila the best of European art, music, dance, film, languages, food…
Retroactive adoption decrees for immigrant children
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) or US Citizen (USC) parent may file an immigrant petition for his alien child including an adopted child. Under INA 101(b)(1)(E)(i), a child adopted while…
A day for Poetry
Our modern lives have made a demand for the instantaneous. We surround ourselves with things that make our lives easier. There is a desire to be connected, to have access…
US postpones missile test in California
DUE TO TENSION WITH N. KOREA LOS ANGELES – In light of the recent escalating nuclear tension between the United States and North Korea, the Pentagon has decided to postpone…
Vegetables prolong life
“Animals are my friends, and I don’t eat my friends.” -George Bernard Shaw There is no question that diet plays a very important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases,…
Overseas Filipinos must earn respect
“IF WE want respect, we must demonstrate that we have political power!” This was the consensus at a recent meeting of members of US Pinoys for Good Governance, the group…
Beware of notarios, fake lawyers and other immigrations scams
MANY optimists believe this could be the week when Congress would finally be able to present a comprehensive immigration reform bill. Talks of a bipartisan support on creating a pathway…
Accident-prone
EITHER laws are not properly implemented and followed, or someone’s pursuing a vendetta against the Tubbattaha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) — a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the…
DOMA and immigration benefits
The Supreme Court has finished hearing arguments in two cases regarding challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and is expected to issue a ruling in June 2013. Both…
The riddle of sickness
It is called the pompous sickness — the spell which hushes the household, with its desert-like stillness felt through its innermost chambers. One in a world unto herself, her own…
H-1B quota for FY 2014 reached within 5 days of April 1, 2013 opening day
Congress must respond! AS A sure sign the US economy is improving, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the annual H-1B quota (“H-1B Cap”) for FY 2014 was…
The benefits of being childlike
AFTER the Easter Vigil Mass in my church last week, I congratulated one of the youngsters that I baptized and joked with him, “So, now that you’ve already received the…
Final rule on provisional waiver of the 3/10 year bar from inside the US
ON January 2, 2013, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today announced the posting of a final rule in the Federal Register that reduces the time US citizens are separated…
The ‘adobo’ faction
IT WAS an epic battle that was bound to happen at some point. Both of Filipino descent, Conservative blogger and political pundit, Michelle Malkin and Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and undocumented…
The perils of Kristeta
A long, long time ago, Kris Aquino and I sat together by the steps of the Guest House (the official residence of then, President Cory Aquino). We goofed around at…
Should married gay couples be given the same benefits that straight married couples enjoy?
(Part 2) IN MY last article, I discussed some of the socio-economic implications of marriage (starting off with Social Security and Taxes) and why gay couples insist that the federal…
Disability protections are extended to pregnant employees
CAN the employer legally fire a pregnant employee, who, after using up all her leave under California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (the pregnancy law), is still unable to return to…
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 self-employed and subcontractor taxpayers. TIP: Time the payment of your estimates…
An Inspiration to Asian American Musicians
HE sings co-lead in the second most-played song on American radio in the past century, but few Filipinos have heard about him or know the impact he’s had on a…
No action on H-1B legislation: Alternatives?
THE debate over the United States economy and dearth of high-tech workers has spotlighted the H-1B professional working visa in the press. Nonetheless, Congress has been slow to respond in…
My close encounters with terrestrial stars Part IV
The demigods of the silver screen and the idiot box have given us a different kind of entertainment that we fail to get from social conversations or even from jokes…
New loan modification program coming in July 2013
DUE to obvious delays and failed attempted to help struggling homeowners, the two leading agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who owns or guarantee more than half of all US…