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.
In her special message during the launch, Jen shared her family's story and how she hoped it will serve as an eye opener for many migrants on the need to be aware of their rights and obligations under the law.
In her moving sharing, punctuated with readings of excerpt from "Out of Status", she spoke of how ultimately it was her family's close ties, support from friends, her American husband, Craig, and her children, which helped her overcome the difficult separation from her immediate family members who had to return to the Philippines because of their lack of legal status in the U.S.
She likewise encouraged Filipinos who may be facing immigration difficulties to seek the advice and assistance of the Consulate.
A housewife, Jen is now an Advisory Board member of FALDEF, pledging to help the non-profit organization undertake its advocacy of providing pro-bono legal assistance on immigration, labor and other related cases to indigent Filipino nationals in the U.S.
The evening was made more special with a musical performance by Jen's 16- year old son, budding Filipino-American pianist and composer, Jonathon Furer.
The Immigration Forum, led by FALDEF President Atty. J.T. Mallonga, former Fairlawn, New Jersey Mayor, and FALDEF Board Chair Atty. Robert Rivas, and Chief Legal Counsel Steven Siegel, a prominent New York Criminal lawyer, elicited many questions from the audience on U.S. immigration laws. Atty. Mallonga and the other FALDEF lawyers responded to queries on entry bans, U.S. visa matters, rights of out-of-status persons, deportation proceedings and the impact of proposed state-level and federal legislation such as the Dream Act for migrants.
FALDEF likewise informed the audience about the past and current cases it has been handling such as that of Pulitzer prize-winner Jose Antonio Vargas, and the role of its Board in securing necessary support to enable FALDEF to carry out its mandate.
Representatives of the Kalusugan Coalition, a non-government organization (NGO) assisting out-of-status individuals in securing access to basic healthcare and screening, were likewise present during the event and distributed materials on their organization.
The evening ended with a book signing by Jen and an opportunity for the guests to confer with FALDEF lawyers.
Jen's book, published by CJ Solution, Inc., is available from Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Article from Department of Foreign Affairs.