For one, I would like to be an optimist about immigration reform. I really wish that immigration reform would pass already. We have been waiting since Section 245 (i) left the Immigration and Nationality Act on April 30, 2001. Gone are the days when immigrants paid a $1000 penalty in their green card applications through work and family as a trade-off for crossing the border.
Many Filipino associations and American politicians have requested that the President designate Filipinos for TPS. It really would be sensible and humane to set Temporary Protected Status for nationals of the Philippines much like Haitians given TPS after the terrible earthquake there. Immigrants receiving TPS are few and far between.
Gandhi was once famously asked if he was a Hindu. His answer: “Yes I am. I am also a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist and a Jew.” This perspective is very important when representing immigrants. As lawyers who help immigrants, we must look at all of our clients with truly global perspective. Here are four essential points that you must remember in reviewing immigration policy…
