The new waiver process (not law yet)
ON JAN. 6, 2012, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted a notice of intent in the Federal Register outlining its plan to reduce the time that US citizens are…
Read More
A Palm Sunday message
AS WE celebrate Palm Sunday this year, to commemorate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem before his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, I invite you to reflect on the words of…
The battle to end child labor
Alarmed by the report of the International Labor Organization (ILO) that approximately 2.4 million minors aged nine to 17 are already working in the country, the Philippine government has recently…
Warning: Drug resistant TB
ONE of the easiest to catch infectious diseases is pulmonary tuberculosis. And most often than not, people get infected without even knowing they have it and who and where they…
Caught in the middle
WITH all the ballyhoo surrounding the North Korean rocket launch (expected to take place between April 12 and 16), the safety and security of the 50,000 Filipinos living in South…
USCIS to accept H-1B petitions for FY 2013 beginning April 2, 2012
WASHINGTON — US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that it will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 cap on Monday April 2, 2012. …
IRS hires thousands of new auditors
ON A typical Tuesday during this tax season, I’ve had three new tax clients (who were previously with other preparers) – all of them have just recently been audited on…
On losing one’s life and gaining it
IT would be dishonest for us to say that we wouldn’t want an easy life. Who wants to be poor? Who wants to struggle all the time? Who does not…
Gaining momentum
THE Philippine government has recently expressed optimism that growth is finally within reach, citing the recent improvements in the Philippine economy. In a recent interview with the press after the…
The bandwagon defense
“JOURNALISTS are NOT the story. We tell the story. We merely chronicle our country’s comings and goings in the best way we can. This is how we serve the country.”…
How can I save 15 years of waiting for my green card?
Question: My mother is a lawful permanent resident and she petitioned my father. However, by time the visa number became current, I had aged out and was over 21 years…
What to do with conditional greencard status in troubled marriages
Marriage for many persons is the culmination of one’s life. Getting married signifies the beginning of a new phase in life, both socially and economically. For those persons who lack…
On Phlebitis and DVT
What is Phlebitis? Phlebitis (also called thrombophlebitis) is a condition where there is inflammation in the walls of the veins, most commonly the leg veins, and usually clots form in…
USCIS Announces Citizenship and Integration Grant Opportunity
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…
The power of the Cross
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…
What exactly is my employer for the H-1B?
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…
Pills vs surgery for reflux
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…
Pills vs surgery for reflux
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…
Don’t spit, quit!
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…
Discretionary relief from removal
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…
Paying taxes on a 1099-MISC
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….
From blindness to grace
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…
Looking after the welfare of OFWs
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…
What is recruitment in PERM?
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…
Aspirin and colon cancer
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…
Aspirin and colon cancer
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…
Misconstrued
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…
Chance or capability
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…
Proposed Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver is Not in Effect
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…
The battered spouse
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…