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YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION SHOULD BE
TO LEGALIZE YOUR STATUS NOW!
by Michael J. Gurfinkel, Esq.
The holiday season is the merriest
and the busiest time for everybody. People put aside everything
and concentrate on the holidays.
Filipinos celebrate the holidays with the traditional
noche buena, a feast at midnight on Christmas Eve, shared by family
members in welcoming Christmas. On Christmas Day itself, it is
the traditional family reunion.
After Christmas, people go shopping again, this
time for bargains, to send gifts through balikbayan boxes to the
Philippines.
On New Year's Eve, Filipinos joyously celebrate
the coming year again, with family and friends. However, many
Filipinos in America are separated from their family because of
their immigration problems.
These Filipinos may have been so busy celebrating
the holidays, that they put aside even the most important things,
including their immigration problems. But amid the endless parties,
the shopping sprees, and the Christmas decorations, we all know
that deep in their hearts, they wish the rest of their family
were here with them to celebrate the holidays. These Filipinos
recall those New Year's Eve celebrations of long ago, and as the
holiday season draws to a close, one question pops up in their
minds: "When can I celebrate Christmas and the New Year
with my family again?" When can I personally give my
gift, and see the surprised look in my child's face? When can
I give my child a hug, rather than year after year sending balikbayan
boxes and merely greeting each other on overseas calls?
For those already in legal status, you should resolve
to petition your family members now, so that you can spend the
holiday season with them in the very near future.
For those still illegal in the United States, it
would be a good New Year's resolution to do everything possible
so that you can legalize your status and bring your family members
to the U.S. and be with them in the coming holiday seasons. Or,
if your family is in the U.S., you should take steps so you all
can finally be legal.
If you can only make good these resolutions, I
can assure you that your family will have the best holiday in
the coming new year. You should seek the advice of a reputable
attorney to discuss your options and choices. I hope that next
year, you will be able to celebrate the holidays with your family.
Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat at Manigong
Bagong Taon!
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