"Roni Siya Noon, Sharon na Siya Ngayon" CITIZEN PINOY features Problems Encountered at U.S. Ports of Entry

ENTERING THE US AS A MAN OR A WOMAN?   Sharon Panlilio (born as Roland), on the set with Citizen Pinoy hosts Odette Keeley, Atty. Mike Guingona, and Atty. Michael Gurfinkel, explaining her difficulties each time she tried to enter the US from the Philippines as a transgender.   The episode will focus on what happens at the US port of entry (airport) each time visitors, immigrants, or US citizens seek to enter the US, and will include a tour of San Francisco International Airport, where US Customs and Border Protection officers gave Citizen Pinoy a behind-the scenes look at the "inspection' and "entry" process-- a must see for anyone traveling to the US.

What happens to visitors, immigrants and citizens when they arrive in the U.S. at the port of entry (airport)? Travelers entering the United States of America know that they must go through rigorous "inspections".   But that is simply because Uncle Sam is taking all necessary steps in order to keep U.S. borders safe and secure.

This Sunday, June 5, 5 p.m. on TFC , Citizen Pinoy features a fascinating topic on US Entry, with special guest Sharon Panlilio, nee Roland Panlilio.   Sharon was born Roland "Roni" Panlilio, but had a sex change operation in 1992.   Roni had always dreamt of becoming a woman, and she was successful in achieving this dream last 1992. She then dreamt of becoming an American citizen, after migrating to the US to escape the stares and gossip that he endured as a transsexual living in the Philippines.   When Sharon became eligible to apply for US citizenship, he wanted to do so as a woman.   Unfortunately, the US government would not allow it without a court order.   There were also concerns on how to properly classify Sharon: Was she male or female?

In between trips back and forth to the United States, Sharon narrates her colorful encounters at the airport with officers of the Customs Border and Protection (CBP), like one time when she was with her mother whose documents indicated that the mother was traveling with her "son".   When Sharon's mother was asked, "Where is your son?"   Sharon, all dressed up, and looking every inch a woman in her shapely body and long hair, declared "I am the son."   Sharon has several other stories to tell about her difficulties and questioning each time she tried to enter the U.S.

As a bonus feature, CITIZEN PINOY will take viewers "behind the scene" of San Francisco Int'l Airport, where California Border Patrol (CBP) officers gave us a guided tour and walk through, explaining the entire entry and inspection process, providing invaluable information to anyone wanting to travel to the U.S. Viewer questions will also be answered by Atty. Michael Gurfinkel.

So stay tuned as CITIZEN PINOY brings you another informative hour on its 5 th episode that highlights U.S. Entry.

CITIZEN PINOY is a one-hour talk show that will provide information on the various possibilities, issues, and problems regarding US immigration. --- hosted by Atty. Mike Guingona, Ms. Odette Alcazaren-Keeley and leading immigration lawyer Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel.

CITIZEN PINOY airs on TFC every Sunday at 5 p.m., with replays every Monday at 4 a.m. , and on ANC-USA every Friday at 8 p.m. (all Pacific Standard Time).    In the Philippines, the show airs every Saturday at 11 a.m. on ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel).

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