We Have Rights: Tayo ay May Mga Karapatan

A film by Diane Paragas

An Open Letter to the Gang of 8 on Immigration Reform

I am a first-generation American Citizen who came to the U.S. from the Philippines on a tourist visa in 1984.  My husband is a second generation American whose grandparents immigrated from Russia and Eastern Europe.  Together we have four children.  Two of them have graduated college, one is entering Columbia University this coming August, and our fourth is in sixth grade.

My five brothers and parents came to the U.S. around 1987, also on tourist visas.  My brothers ranged in age from 13 to 26 at the time of their arrival.  Their intention was to stay permanently in the U.S. so over the next eighteen years they worked, saved, started businesses, and paid tens of thousands of dollars to various lawyers to help them navigate through the legal immigration process. 

 

Unfortunately, in 2005, after living here for eighteen years, most of my family was deported.  My three youngest brothers were held in deportation centers prior to being sent back to the Philippines.  They ranged in ages from 13 to 18 when they had arrived in the U.S. and they were each over 30 when they were deported.  Two of them were married with children at the time of their deportations.  They had all worked hard, paid taxes, made close friendships with their neighbors, and obeyed our laws. 

So of the 8 of us who came to the U.S. in 2005, there are only 3 of us who still live here.  Fortunately, my next older brother, who owns an electrical contracting company that he started in the 90’s, also secured citizenship.  He is married with 3 children.  After his deportation, my youngest brother started a business in the Philippines which employs dozens of people, services customers around the world, and has been featured in various magazines.

 

In 2012 I documented my story in a book entitled “Out of Status”.  I hope my book inspires you and informs your decision making as you work through the immigration debate that is now underway in our country.  Also, I would be happy to make myself available for conversations, hearings, or in any other way that would help advance the cause of improving our immigration system.

 

Thank you very much for all of your hard work on this issue.  It is means a lot to the lives of so many people, and is vital to the future of our magnificent country.

Consul General of New York: a leader with a vision to make a difference...and did !

"Do all things with love. " ~ Og Mandino

Although I left Manila in 1984, it has taken over 20 years for me to be involved with the Filipino American community. This door was opened for me by someone who is both an inspiration and who now, I consider a friend.

When my book, "Out of Status", was published, my sister-in-law's sister, Heidi Gutierrez-Pagaduan, suggested I visit the Philippine Embassy in New York to promote it. She happens to be close friends with the Consul General's daughter and thought this would be a great idea. I put it on my to-do-list though seriously doubted if it would materialize because I am kind of shy when it comes to introducing myself.

However, like everything else in my life, things happen for a reason. I believe in the magic of circumstances and that paths cross for a purpose. In launching "Out of Status", Dave Brodsky of Dasbro Enterprises, got me an appointment to meet with Philippine Consul General of New York (PCGNY) Mario Lopez de Leon, Jr. It was inevitable somehow that we would meet.

(at my initial meeting with Philippine Consul General of NY, Mario Lopez de Leon, Jr.)

Interestingly, that was the first time I've ever set foot in the Philippine Embassy. Maybe, because of what my family went through, I never had a warm, fuzzy feeling when it comes to interacting with people in government or people of authority. I also somehow believed one had to be a celebrity or someone of high importance before you get to meet someone like the Consul General of New York!

Needless to say, I was astonished by the warm reception by Consul General, or ConGen as he's fondly called by most ( I call him "Tito Mario" now) . The PCGNY and his staff not only opened the facilities but welcomed me with wide open arms as if I was a member of the family. I couldn't believe the hospitality and support. Even though I've known growing up that Filipinos have the bayanihan characteristic, I never imagined it would extend to the competitive, fast-faced concrete jungle of New York. Blessed surprise.

From the beginning, ConGen was supportive. He wisely recommended I incorporate an immigration forum with my book launch. With that, I met a group of lawyers and professionals whose main goal is to defend, serve, and educate -- the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc (FALDEF). Unbeknownst to me, my world was paradoxically about to get smaller and immensely larger. My hitherto somewhat quiet life was about to change.

This year has been a banner one for me, one that I wouldn't have learned so much about the Filipinos in America, their varied and challenged lives, were it not for ConGen.

Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr., is an aggressive, progressive and charismatic leader of the community. He is passionately committed to making a difference. One can tell he loves what he does. He is not there simply because of the title or the glory that comes with being the PCGNY. He does what he does because he genuinely believes in every Filipino’s rights, their unique voice which needs to be heard, and also, their inherent power to change, not only their own lives but others.

As ConGen said in one of the forums held at Kalayaan Center, "An informed community is an empowered community."  And those are not just words but a statement which encompasses everything that transpires at the Philippine Center. Every week, there's always something going on at the Philippine Center: book launching, film premiers, fashion shows, benefit and fund-raising events, educational events, social awareness and immigration forums. Activities which make the different members of the community to not only appreciate but celebrate who they are.

When I attended the singing ceremony between the Philippine Consulate and the Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division, I mentioned to Consul Bong Carino, that ConGen is a true leader of the community.  ConGen's leadership at PCGNY has been fruitful and focused on helping other people. I am humbled and overjoyed to be a part of it. In a year and a half, he has accomplished much. He managed to get various individuals, communities and organizations to be engaged in the betterment of the Filipino-American community.

Early this month, I attended the Panunuluyan. It is the first ever revival of the Philippine Christmas tradition. My heart was filled with the pride being a Filipino in New York. Faith, tradition and love -- all in one night. ConGen himself played the one of the humble shepherds seeking the blessed child.

Like the quiet shepherds, in the back doors of the Consulate, amazing things transpire unbeknownst to many. Lives are saved especially those who are victims of labor trafficking or involuntary servitude. Who would have thought that no matter what your status is in the USA, the Philippine Consulate is there to look after the welfare, rights and well being of every Filipino? All one needs to do is ask.

So if you want to have another reason to beam with pride at being a Filipino in the East Coast then I say, attend any event at the Philippine Center in New York. It will be another reason to say I love New York.

This year though I've added a few "titles" in my resume making it looking sparkly and stellar, the thing which stands out the most are emails from those whose lives I've been blessed to touch and serve. They've called me "angel of hope". I am humbled by this. I am however, fully cognizant and appreciative of how I wouldn't have been able to extend my heart, hands and spirit in the breadth and width that they have were it not for ConGen’s remarkable leadership.

As the year ends, calendars are filled with various award ceremonies. If an award were to be given for excellence in leadership for their unique and encompassing vision, tenacity in pushing through challenges and the ability to serve members as diverse and complex as the Filipino community, it is none other than Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. who deserves such an award.

To ConGen, Maraming Salamat po.

Submitted to FilAmNet Magazine.

Also in GMA News

I need your support. Help us make a difference.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”  ~ Mother Theresa

Six months ago, I volunteered to be a part of an organization that helps defend, serve and educate other people. My initial purpose was to help get the word out about my book, "Out of Status". I went on a mission to share my story because I didn't want any other family to go through what my family went through. I wanted to make a difference to other people's lives.

What happened next was a life changing experience.  People mad a difference in MY life.

During the first meeting, I was privileged to know a group of lawyers and professionals whose main mission was to help others: provide hope, make a difference and save lives.

At that meeting,  Atty. JTS Mallonga, the President of Filipino American Legal Defense and EducationFund, Inc. asked me to be an honorary member of the Board.

Every event the organization had sponsored since then made me realize that there were a lot of people out there who need help, and there are people who DO help because they care. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Before I knew it, I was asked to be in-charge of their communications, social media, documentation, etc. (Funny, since my family jokes that "language is my second language")

So I was online every moment possible.

And last month, I was blessed to have known the power of social media.

A month ago, a daughter living in the Middle East was looking for help for her mother in the East Coast, who was a possible victim of labor trafficking. That daughter found our website which links to our Facebook page.

To make a long story short, FALDEF helped saved a life of someone who needed help. 

Someone who didn't know there was hope. 

Someone who didn't know there was a way out.

Someone who didn't know she has rights.

Mother Theresa once said,  “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

We are helping create ripples. 

With your DONATION, you can help us save more lives. 

Please CLICK HERE to read the message from FALDEF President, JT S Mallonga, Esq.
Or view the entire message here:

FALDEF 2012 in Review

We all have something in common: The power to believe.

Close your eyes, breathe in and out, 1, 2 and 3  

For those of you who came left your country of birth, look back at the first time you walked into the embassy. 

And to those who were born here, remember how your ancestors came to America.

Now open your eyes.

We all share a common bond. We all believe in the power of dreams. We are all one and the same. Not separated by color, sexuality, age, accent or origin of birth. We all have the courage to pursue what at times seem like an impossible task.

The book “Out of Status” embraces that notion, to share a story of love, happiness, the American Dream, Deportation Hope – and courage.

The most asked question on this adventure of mine was, “Why do you want to share your story to the world?”

I wish there was just one answer.

But the inspiration came from my brother’s journal.

In October 27, 2005, our dreams were shattered. Our lives were interrupted. My 3 youngest brothers, who would fall under the category “DREAMERS”, spent 29 days in a detention center. I promised them that I will share our journey – to educate, inspire, challenge and make difference.

The book’s dedication sums up why this book was written:

    “To those who have taken risks,

       Who have endured the consequences of their decisions,

       Who have celebrated the victories of their choices,

       Who are uncertain of what lies ahead,

       Who persevere through the trials that life throws our way,

       Who believe in the kindness and virtue,

      I dedicate this book to us.”

Good News Friday

"The sun will shine through the gray skies,

Its brightness will spread down to the river,

And just around the corner,

peace will someday knock on my door,

And things will be complete once more." ~ Out of Status

Thank you to our new readers from Morristown, NJ.

and of course, the Philippines!

How Do You Make The Next Day Better?

When my husband and I were first dating, he brought me to Coney Island in Brooklyn. We rode the Cyclone, which is one of the most famous roller coasters. The thing about Cyclone is that although it’s not the highest or the fastest roller coaster, it has a very steep first drop during which you rise slightly out of your seat. For that brief moment, you are not sure when you will stop falling. And just when the roller coaster brings you to the peak of its scariest point, that moment suddenly ends and it starts to slow down, and the steepness starts to level off. And in that split second when the transition occurs and your emotional state goes from one of fear to one of relief – that is the inflection point. 1

People say that life is like a roller coaster. But the thing about life is that you don’t realize that the bottom of the steep drop is the bottom until it’s behind you. One thing I learned is that you have to keep trying to move forward – to make tomorrow a better day.

I thought I had a tough life, that the tragic experience caused by deportation and detention was worst than anyone could ever go through. I didn't think there would be a tomorrow. But my family inspired me to get past the pain.

When the book was launched at the Philippine Consulate in New York, I was approached by a non-profit organization to join their team. And in the next four months since, I had witnessed the hard work of a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to defend those who couldn't defend themselves – to give HOPE.

This morning, just like any other mornings, the first thing I did was reply to the various emails about the various projects and initiatives of  FALDEF (Filipino AmericanLegal Defense & Education Fund, Inc.)  

My 17 year-old son asked me, “Do you enjoy what you do for them?”

Teary-eyed, I answered, “Yes.”

My son chuckled and said, “Ah, mom, you’re crying.”

“Yes, I am. It’s because I really enjoy what I do for FALDEF. I know it has taken most of my time - and sometimes time away from promoting the book, doing chores and the business launch for GottaLoveMom. But I feel like I am making it better for other people. Mother Theresa said, “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” Oddly enough, I am helping myself in return. It really does make me feel better."

Isn't that what life is all about? It's not about winning or getting stressed over the path to the finish line. Isn't life about sharing a little bit of ourselves? As corny as it may sound, but isn't life all about love?

Yesterday, I got an invitation to attend a launching of a new initiative: NextDayBetter.

NextDayBetter is a new initiative by Ryan Letada of CatchaFire. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 3^rd at Mercy College. Social entrepreneurs, creative designers and do-gooders will be there to celebrate great ideas to make tomorrow a better day.

The event will feature the following speakers:

Jay Jaboneta, Chief Fire Starter at Yellow Boat of Hope and Social Entrepreneur. 2013 Acumen Fund Global Fellow. Former Chief Social Media Strategist for the Office of Philippines President Aquino.

Miguel Trinidad, Executive Chef, Maharlika Filipino Moderno

Analisa Balares, CEO of Womensphere

Tickets are $10. Early bird (until September 30) is $5.

To RSVP, go to (http://nextdaybetter.eventbrite.com/)

If you're in New York, I hope you'll consider attending.

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  Out of Status