Immigration Forum and Out-of-Status Book Launch

Deportation and Rights of an “Out of Status” Immigrant discussed at the Immigration Forum and Book Launch at the Philippine Consulate of New York, May 2012

Immigration is arguably one of the hottest topics in the minds of Filipino-Americans, and immigrants of all origins. Many immigrants are not aware of the rights they possess and who to turn to for assistance.

On Friday, May 18, 2012, the Filipino American Legal Defense & Education Fund (FALDEF) officers Robert C. Rivas, JT Mallonga and Steven S. Siegel presented the services of their non-profit organization at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall in New York during the “Immigration Rights” event sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General Mario de Leon, Jr.  The event also featured the book launch of “Out of Status”, a memoir by author, Jen Furer.

Phl Consulate in New York Holds Book Launch of “Out of Status”and Forum on Immigration Rights

22 May 2012 - The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in cooperation with Ms. Jen Furer and the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF), held a book launch of Ms. Furer's book "Out of Status" and a forum on Immigration Rights of Migrants last May 18 at the Philippine Center's Kalayaan Hall.

Philippine Consul General to New York Mario L. de Leon, Jr., in his welcome remarks, congratulated Jen for bravely sharing her and her family's story with the rest of the world. He noted that her story presents the human face of migration and should also inspire others to learn more about their rights. He stressed that the book launch and immigration forum is part of the Consulate's continuing commitment to inform the Filipino-American Community about their rights and obligations.

Filipino-American Jen Furer's first-ever book traces Jen's story of migrating to the United States in her early 20s to pursue the proverbial "American Dream". Her struggles, challenges, adjustments, and triumphs formed the backbone of her moving memoir which likewise chronicled her family's heartbreaking encounter with the U.S. Immigration System.

Filipino Couple Gets Temporary Relief

by Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

The couple joined by community leaders and heads of various organizations.

Standing (L-R): Joji Babuschak, Fred Mariano, Dr. Ramon Suatengco, Atty. JTS Mallonga (FALDEF), Nimfa Tinana (NaFFAA), Dr. Renato Ynaya

Seated (L-R): Nancy Ynaya, Larnie Dosono, Rica, Gideon, Dr. Elena Buenviaje

TOMS RIVER, NJ - Filipino couple Gideon and Rica Tonog appealed to the Department of Homeland Security to defer their deportation last year.

Because Rica is undergoing long-term uterine cancer treatment, an immigration judge stopped the deportation last week and has allowed them to stay in America for on humanitarian grounds.

Rica said, “I prayed and thanked the Lord for the answered prayer. Our victory is the community’s victory.”

But the Tonogs’ fight to stay in America is not over.

Filipino American Legal Defense Fund (FALDEF) President and legal counsel to the Tonogs, JT Mallonga said, “It will not solve the problem because it will not give them work authorization. But the primary purpose of the legal defense coming to play is to stop the deportation proceedings.”

The Philippine Consulate General in New York presents ‘Immigration Rights"

The Philippine Consulate General in New York, presents “Immigration Rights: The Book Launch of Fil-Am Jen Furer, Author of ‘Out of Status,’ and a Discussion on The Legal Rights of Out of Status Individuals By The Filipino American Legal Defense & Education Fund (FALDEF)”, Friday, May 18 at the Philippine Center, Kalayaan Hall, 556 Fifth Avenue, New York City.  Q&A to follow the presentation. Light refreshments: 6pm; Forum: 7 - 9pm.  Free.  Please register: dasbro@optonline.net.

 

Philippine-American author, Jen Furer, recently released her first book, “Out of Status,” a memoir which tells a story of the American Dream through the struggles, hopes, and tragedies shared by Jen and her family.  Jen’s poignant memoir documents her family’s encounters with a broken US immigration system that tore her family apart because they were “out of status” residents. “Out of Status” chronicles her family’s journey which is shared by tens of millions of Americans who have uprooted their lives, and immigrated to America with the hope of building a better future than they were able to find in their native countries. Such a journey is truly the adventure of a lifetime, but unlike in the movies this adventure does not offer the promise of a happy ending. The only guarantee in the life of an immigrant is that the experience will be challenging, the outcome will be uncertain, and it may take an entire lifetime to feel like you are home again.  Copies of the book will be available during the event.  www.jenfurer.com.

 

The Filipino American Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc., (FALDEF) is a New York State registered, IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization that collaborates with different entities such as Filipino-American Community organizations, NGOs, and the Philippine Consulate General in New York.  FALDEF is dedicated to providing pro bono legal aid to such Filipino-American nationals who are suffering legal injustices by reason of their immigrant origins and status and unable to employ and engage legal aid and assistance on account of poverty.  Furthermore, FALDEF is dedicated to providing a forum for education, advocacy and scholarship aimed at educating and advancing the interests of the Filipino American community on issues and matters pertinent to immigrant and civil rights. FALDEF represents a number of “out of status” clients including Pulitzer Prize -winning Filipino journalist Jose Antonio Vargas.  www.faldef.org.

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