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.