Page 38 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

38 July to January
2017

Jersey City Holds Information Session on Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program

An Information Session on the Filipino World War II
Veterans Parole Program took place at the Jersey City, New
Jersey City Hall on 18 January 2017. The session, sponsored by
the Jersey City Government through its Welcoming Communities
Initiatives, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS),
and the White House Initiative for Asian-Americans and Pacific
Islanders, sought to provide details and procedural information on
the program benefitting qualified veterans and members of their
families.

The program took effect in June 2016 and is a channel
through which Filipino World War II veterans and their spouses
who are US citizens and permanent residents may request parole Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega (Center) with resource persons and
or a lawful permission to stay in the US for qualified family participants in the Information Session .
members.

The unique program was conceived by UCIS to address the issue of elderly Filipino veterans or their surviving
spouses who are living in the US to be reunited with family members who may qualify under the program. UCIS sought to
address the considerable waiting lists for overseas family members of veterans to be granted immigrant visas.

District Director John E. Thompson and Ms, Kelly Ayala, both from the UCIS, provided critical information and
clarification on the eligibility, procedures, and documentary requirements under the program.

Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro thanked the resource persons and the guests for taking part in this
important information dissemination activity.

Consul General Theresa Dizon–de Vega likewise attended the event and re-affirmed the Consulate’s commitment to
assist in providing timely and relevant information on the Parole Program. She likewise noted the importance of reminding the
public to secure advice on the requirements from accurate sources.

Fil-Ams in New Jersey Hold Forum on (continued from pg. 37...PCGNY & Human Rights)

Involvement in the US Political Process Consul General de
Vega expressed the hope that

Fil-Am community members in Jersey City, a stronger linkage and more
New Jersey held the "Filipino Americans in Politics", collaborative work could be
a forum on how to be involved in the political process undertaken with the NYC
in the United States, last 16 March 2017. Human Rights Commission

The Fil-Am speakers who shared their views particularly in information
and experiences in the political field are Councilman dissemination and holding of ConGen De Vega discusses matters of importance
Salvador Deauna of Bergenfield; Cheryl Quinio- legal clinics and fora for and concern to the Filipino community under her
Blogett, President of Keenyo Consultants, LLC; and members of the Filipino- jurisdiction with HRC.
Arvind Swamy, Managing partner of City Strategy. American Community.

The event was moderated by Filipino-American Commissioner Malalis conveyed the goals of the Commission
press members Lenn Almadin-Thornhill and Cristina which includes the protection of the rights of everyone against
Pastor. (Continue to page 39) discrimination and bias anywhere in New York, but more particularly in
areas where it is pronounced such as the workplace and public places
like subways and transportation hubs. She noted that victims of
discrimination are often those who are unaware of their rights such as
immigrants. Regardless of immigration status, social or ethnic
background, the Commission is mandated to help victims in filing a
civil or harassment claim with the courts or their agency, assist in
victim’s legal representation, and evaluate and issue a human
trafficking certification, if justified, she added.

Commissioner Malalis promised to extend a hand of
From the right: Ms. Lenn Almadin-Thornhill, Consul General Ma. cooperation to the Consulate General on matters of mutual interest
Theresa Dizon-de Vega, Councilman Salvador Deauna, Ms. Cheryl and advocacy. She also warned of the high incidence of fraudulent
Quinio-Blogett, Mr. Arvind Swamy, Ms. Cristina Pastor, and Consul “notaries” or those claiming to have the legal expertise who have
Arman R. Talbo.
victimized migrants.