WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today the availability of a competitive grant opportunity designed to promote immigrant civic integration and prepare permanent residents for citizenship. This year’s program will offer approximately $5 million in funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. Through this grant opportunity, USCIS seeks to…
EVERYONE’S life will always be beset by some trials and difficulties, however prosperous, successful and pleasurable it is. We cannot run away from the Cross; it will always be a part of us. That’s the reality of life. As we often hear, “it is for what it is.” Now, this may be sound pessimistic for…
QUESTION: I have someone who wants to petition me for an H-1B, but am confused as to whether it will qualify. Can you help? Answer: The H-1B regulations currently require that a United States employer establish that it has an employer-employee relationship with respect to the beneficiary, as indicated by the fact that it may…
Good news for those with reflux esophagitis! A recent open, parallel-group, multicenter randomized controlled study in Sweden (LOTUS – Long-Term Usage of Acid Suppression Versus Anti-reflux Surgery) showed that drug (Esomeprazole) is equally effective, if not more, than surgery for reflux, according to the September 2008 issue of GUT. What is Reflux Heartburns? Reflux Heartburns…
Good news for those with reflux esophagitis! A recent open, parallel-group, multicenter randomized controlled study in Sweden (LOTUS – Long-Term Usage of Acid Suppression Versus Anti-reflux Surgery) showed that drug (Esomeprazole) is equally effective, if not more, than surgery for reflux, according to the September 2008 issue of GUT. What is Reflux Heartburns? Reflux Heartburns…
While the image of a puffy-cheeked ball player might first come to mind when mentioning chewing (“spit”) tobacco, the reality is that smokeless tobacco is also a daily habit to millions of everyday North Americans, both young and old. It’s important to know that, just because chewing tobacco is smokeless, it’s far from harmless. In…
NORMAN is a 19-year-old high school senior and a legal permanent resident for 4 years. One evening, he and his friends decided to go on a “dare,” and his friends dared him to go inside a Target store and “pick up” a video game and a packet of gum. He was charged with, and pled…
WE SEE these too often among our kababayans in the home care or home health business. Receiving 1099-Misc seems to be the overwhelming means of income reporting in this field of work. If you are an independent contractor or a self-employed person, the company or the employer whom you provided your services will issue you Form 1099-Misc,…
BEING blind is absolutely a terrible fate that one can have. Imagine one’s self not being able to see the world – its life and colors. Imagine not being able to see the faces of loved ones especially those of one’s children or one’s spouse. Imagine not being able to see one’s features – one’s…
Considered as the living heroes of the Philippines, Filipino migrant workers all over the world have long been contributing to the economic growth of the country. With their families as their inspirations, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have also suffered a great deal of emotional and physical pain just to be able send money back at…
QUESTION: I have been sponsored for the PERM. I’m not sure what must be done with the recruitment. Can you specify. What exactly is recruitment? Answer: Recruitment is necessary in order to submit the PERM electronically. It shows that you advertised for the position in question. Question: What is the SWA? Answer: This means State…
One medication present in almost every household around the world is a wonder drug called acetylsalicylic acid, popularly know as aspirin. Besides acting as a mild blood thinner, taken by millions to help minimize the risk of blood clot formation in heart arteries and the chances of a heart attack, aspirin has been found to…
One medication present in almost every household around the world is a wonder drug called acetylsalicylic acid, popularly know as aspirin. Besides acting as a mild blood thinner, taken by millions to help minimize the risk of blood clot formation in heart arteries and the chances of a heart attack, aspirin has been found to…
IN his interview with David Letterman last week, actor Taylor Kitsch shared having a “moment” with a local customs official, when he (supposedly) came to the Philippines to shoot scenes for his upcoming film, Savages. According to the Canadian actor, the official almost didn’t let him through, just because the there were “not enough pages”…
During the commemoration of the 26th year of the EDSA People Power Revolution last February 25, President Benigno Aquino III disproved speculations that his administration is going lax on leading the country towards economic progress. Aquino was proud to say that during the 19 months of service as President, things have started to look up…
WASHINGTON — On March 30, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register outlining its plan to reduce the time U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) while those family members are in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa to…
Sylvia came to America carrying her hopes and dreams for a better life. Sadly, those dreams quickly turned into a nightmare. While working as a volunteer back in the Philippines she met Gordo who was the nephew of one of her patients at the hospital. Gordo was a US citizen who having been laid off…
EDUCATION is at the crossroads for the future of Filipinos. It plays a crucial role in promoting poverty alleviation and economic growth. It reflects the aspirations of the people for a successful integration into the global economy in an ever-changing world. It seems that the winds of change are blowing in the direction of the…
WHY are nuts the super snack? Nuts, in general, are super food items, which provide the body protein, fiber, minerals, anti-oxidants, cholesterol lowering mono-saturated fats, immune and brain boosting nutrition. Each nut confers different benefits, so it is best to indulge in a variety of them within the week. But don’t go overly nuts on…
NOWADAYS when you ask people how they’re doing, most likely you’ll get the answer, “I’m good.” This response has often intrigued me because I’m used to hearing more familiar responses like “I’m fine” or “I’m okay”. To me, “I’m good” gives a greater sense of pride and certainty. It prevents the person asking the question…
INCOME tax season brings with it promises of easy and quick access to money. We have often heard some tax preparers, even the big chains, offering Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). With a RAL, the preparer promises you get your refund money within 2 days. RALs are private loans to taxpayers provided by financial institutions. The…
BESIDES the long overdue fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather (which, up to now still hangs in the air), Pacquiao’s “renewed sense of faith” has also been making headlines, not only in Philippine media, but in various media outlets here in the United States. “Will it (Pacquiao’s upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley) be the…
QUESTION: I have a Master’s Degree in Economics and would like to know if there is anyway I can get the Green Card through employment without waiting years. Answer: There is what is known as the EB-2 category. This is the second employment based preference. It is specifically for persons whom have advanced degrees. In…
TWENTY years ago, Abel, who was 20 years old, entered the United States using his cousin’s passport that had a United States visa. They looked alike and were the same age. He overstayed his tourist stay but went home after one year. Ten years later, Abel re-entered the US on a student visa, now using…
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas hosted an Information Summit today at the NASA Research Park in Moffett Field, Calif., to launch the USCIS Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) Initiative. “Today USCIS gained invaluable insights from prominent entrepreneurs and industry leaders on immigration issues critical to our nation’s economic prosperity,” said Director Mayorkas….
FOR musicians across the globe, performing in New York City’s Carnegie Hall is the ultimate dream. It is one of the most prestigious venues in the world for both classical music and popular music. Only a very select number of choirs, bands, and orchestras have the opportunity to perform in this world-renowned hall. Thus, it…
“TRUST is the foundation of marriage,” my dear friend Prosy said during a dinner engagement. “Certainly, it is the basis for any other relationships, whether it is friendship, business, or church,” I responded. “Take away trust and everything would crumble.” I remember preaching about this to my parishioners as we continued our pledge to renovate…
VALENTINE’S Day is traditionally a holiday for couples to celebrate their love. However, when good relationships go bad, Valentine’s Day becomes one abusive nightmare. Debbie entered the United States as a student where she met a young US citizen in one of her classes. They quickly fell in love and married. Unfortunately, Debbie soon saw…
Have you ever asked yourself, “Could my smile be brighter?” or “Is it possible for me to get my discolored, (misshaped, chipped or crooked) teeth to look good?” Thanks to the wonders of modern cosmetic dentistry, the answer is very likely to be, “ Not only is it possible, but in many cases, it’s quick,…
As a physician witnessing the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Renato Corona, I cannot help but compare and discern a stark difference between medical practice and the legal process as far as the search for “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” is concerned. Also, holistically, at this impeachment, not only one…
