Migrant Heritage Commission

11/27/2022

01/30/2021

From d Phil. Embassy in Washington DC:
PH ENTRY RULES EFFECTIVE 1 FEBRUARY 2021

Pursuant to IATF Resolution Number 97, effective Monday, 1 February 2021, all foreign nationals who are allowed entry into the Philippines under relevant IATF resolutions must possess a valid and existing entry visa, except for those qualified under the Balikbayan Program.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has likewise confirmed the lifting of restrictions on foreign nationals arriving from the thirty-six countries/jurisdictions with reported COVID-19 variants, including the United States and Jamaica.

All arriving passengers must have a pre-booked accommodation in an accredited quarantine facility/hotel for at least seven (7) nights; and will be subject to PCR testing at said facility/hotel on the sixth day from the date of arrival.

Entry and quarantine are subject to specific implementing guidelines of the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Health/Bureau of Quarantine.

For visa eligibility, requirements, and procedures, please go to https://philippineembassy-usa.org/visa/ or contact us via email [email protected]

Please read:https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2021/01jan/20210128-IATF-RESO-97-RRD.pdf

Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines

Visit our website: www.philippineembassy-usa.org
Follow us on Twitter:

Visa Section Nationals of a number of countries with which the Philippines maintains diplomatic relations, including the United States, may avail themselves of visa-free entry into the Philippines, provided their stay will not exceed 30 days. Please contact the Philippine Embassy for information on....

01/30/2021

From d Phil. Embassy in Washington DC:
PH ENTRY RULES EFFECTIVE 1 FEBRUARY

Pursuant to IATF Resolution Number 97, effective Monday, 1 February 2021, all foreign nationals who are allowed entry into the Philippines under relevant IATF resolutions must possess a valid and existing entry visa, except for those qualified under the Balikbayan Program.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has likewise confirmed the lifting of restrictions on foreign nationals arriving from the thirty-six countries/jurisdictions with reported COVID-19 variants, including the United States and Jamaica.

All arriving passengers must have a pre-booked accommodation in an accredited quarantine facility/hotel for at least seven (7) nights; and will be subject to PCR testing at said facility/hotel on the sixth day from the date of arrival.

Entry and quarantine are subject to specific implementing guidelines of the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Health/Bureau of Quarantine.

For visa eligibility, requirements, and procedures, please go to https://philippineembassy-usa.org/visa/ or contact us via email [email protected]

Please read:https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2021/01jan/20210128-IATF-RESO-97-RRD.pdf


JOSE VICTOR V. CHAN-GONZAGA (MR.)
Minister and Consul General
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
Bataan Street corner
1617 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., USA
Tel. no. + 1.202.467.9300

Visit our website: www.philippineembassy-usa.org
Follow us on Twitter:

Visa Section Nationals of a number of countries with which the Philippines maintains diplomatic relations, including the United States, may avail themselves of visa-free entry into the Philippines, provided their stay will not exceed 30 days. Please contact the Philippine Embassy for information on....

09/10/2020

DAY 177,Join us thru this link https://msngr.com/grT0M6cnOuvgL52I
@ 9:20 p.m. - Thursday, 9/10/20 of praying to GOD for the to end now or very soon ! .
You may also join us on facebook LIVE. (7th month since the lockdown) OUR LADY OF FATIMA had urged everyone almost 100 yrs ago to pray the ROSARY. BELIEVE IN the POWER OF PRAYERS!
We encourage everyone to pray either as a family, as a group or feel free to be virtually with us. Let's storm HEAVENS with our daily prayers for GOD to heal and cleanse the world of this COVID virus. .We have created this room for all of you to join us in this ONLINE FB PRAYER. Just mute your microphone if you need to talk that is not connected with the prayer to avoid unnecessary noise. And if you don't wish to be seen, feel free to turn off your camera or put a religious image there

07/24/2020

Devote an hour of prayer to GOD to end this PANDEMIC now. Join us tonight again thru this link: msngr.com/wuIoyE5aG1iZueAC
for our community rosary prayer, now on our 129th day, from 9:10 p.m., 7/24/2020 FRIDAY.
We encourage everyone to pray as a family, as a group or feel free to be virtually with us. Let's storm HEAVEN with our daily prayers for GOD to heal and cleanse the world and to END THIS PANDEMIC. .We have created this room for all of you to join us in this ONLINE FB PRAYER. Just mute your microphone if you need to talk that is not connected with the prayer to avoid unnecessary noise. And if you don't wish to be seen, feel free to turn off your camera or simply put a religious image there. Believe in the POWER of PRAYERS !

Devote an hour of prayer to GOD to end this PANDEMIC now. Join us tonight again thru this link: msngr.com/wuIoyE5aG1iZueAC
for our community rosary prayer, now on our 129th day, from 9:10 p.m., 7/24/2020 FRIDAY.
We encourage everyone to pray as a family, as a group or feel free to be virtually with us. Let's storm HEAVEN with our daily prayers for GOD to heal and cleanse the world and to END THIS PANDEMIC. .We have created this room for all of you to join us in this ONLINE FB PRAYER. Just mute your microphone if you need to talk that is not connected with the prayer to avoid unnecessary noise. And if you don't wish to be seen, feel free to turn off your camera or simply put a religious image there. Believe in the POWER of PRAYERS !

07/15/2020

We are sharing again this important announcement from the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. . As of the moment, if you're a non-Philippine passport holder, you cannot travel back to the Philippines unless you're a dual citizen (US/Filipino), an accredited diplomat and dependent; a Foreign airline crew or a foreign spouse / children of Filipino nationals- as long as you can show official proof. If you're a dual citizen, you can just show your Dual citizenship certificate even without the Phil passport. In case you've misplaced/lost your dual citizenship cert, you can get asap a replacement dual citizenship certificate from the Philippine Embassy for only $ 25.00,
The Balikbayan/ no visa privilege for naturalized US citizens who are formerly Filipinos is still temporarily suspended.. So if you have plans of travelling to the Philippines and you only have a US passport, do not book nor buy your plane ticket first until these travel restrictions have been lifted.

04/01/2020

URGENT : CENSUS 2020. APRIL 1, 2020: Today is the last day to answer the questionnaire. We have announced this 2 weeks ago so we are reminding everyone again. Pls take time today to answer this online. Some of you may have also received via mail. If not, just go to their online LINK: https://my2020census.gov/ Enter your Census ID given to you or just check: NO online census ID. Just closely follow the instructions. Double check your entries before you go to the next page. If you make a mistake before you submit, you can EDIT any wrong/ mistyped information then finally click on SUBMIT.. You're done in no more than 10 minutes. PLS DO IT NOW.. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY ! Thank you.

03/21/2020

Since many of us are at home, let's fufill another duty i.e. of being counted. Once you receive or if you have received your census 2020 form in d mail, don't ignore them.. Fill them up promptly and mail them back... or answer the questionnaire online. You're done in 10 minutes😍😍😍
https://2020census.gov/?cid=20019:2020%20census:sem.b:p:dm:en:&utm_source=sem.b&utm_medium=p&utm_campaign=dm:en&utm_content=20019&utm_term=2020%20census&msclkid=27a28a188ddb119f9de2d46d7ce9b18c #

Learn about the 2020 Census - how to respond, and why it matters. Shape your future. START HERE.

01/17/2020

See you all this Sunday, 19 Jan @ the 2020 St Michael church Santo Nino festivities, 805 Wayne Avenue, Silver spring Maryland.. 5pm mass, 645 pm dinner , 8pm Santo Nino Atiatihan/Sinulog revelry, 830pm TALA dance challenge & non stop dancing to d music of DJ Joemar Joems Examen until 1100 pm.. Donations-in-kind for the Taal victims will also be accepted that night. This is a FREE EVENT..Jointly organized by FilMin St Michael church & d Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC)

12/31/2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE 2019 - MORE BLESSINGS AND LOVE FOR A LIFETIME🤩🤩🤩

11/30/2018

FUNERAL MASS tonight for
Myrna "Mimi" Calayo of Woodbridge, VA
Nov. 30 (Friday) 6 pm
Memorial/Funeral Mass
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
12975 Purcell Rd., Manassas, VA 20112

MIMI died of cancer last week and has NO immediate family member in the US. MIMI, a Bicolana, hailed from Sipocot, Camarines Sur,Philippines. PLS PRAY FOR THE ETERNAL REPOSE OF HER SOUL. MS Lena Yap and Marissa Corbillon sought the assistance of Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) Jesse A. Gatchalian

09/19/2018

Reserve your seats now for 21 Oct 2018 Sunday from 1-3 pm! Be captivated by the rare & exquisite performance of the Philippines' leading dance theater multi-awarded & internationally acclaimed company from Mindanao for the FIL AM HISTORY Month in the USA - IPAG or the Integrated Performing Arts Guild..

01/26/2018

SMNI News

Lawyer, Atty. Arnedo Valera of the Washington D.C. -based MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC), interviewed by the SMNI CHANNEL USAPING BAYAN RE: : LABOR TRAFFICKING ISSUE, 1/24/18

Paglala ng Labor trafficking

With: Atty. Arnedo Valera
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION

07/25/2017

Red Alert: The FB account (REY GAN) and Email address ([email protected]) of REY GAN, one of the Fil-am community leaders in the US capital, have been hacked so pls do not entertain any request for assistance from said accounts.
Never give your personal email add, cell/ home Number, birthdate, home address, parents' names nor family details to these hackers. .
So far the name given is ZAIR JHUN MOCLES from Nueva Ecija. It may not even be his real name so just be careful. . .

11/30/2016

ANNUAL FREE HEALTH /LEGAL CONSULTATIONS

11/30/2016

TYPHOON HAIYAN VIDEO BY PHC

TYPHOON HAIYAN VIDEO BY PHC

11/24/2016

Migrant Heritage Commission

08/15/2016

FILIPINO FESTIVAL 2016

OUR reigning 2016 ISA's Miss Teen Philippines-USA Lurene Heyl from Metro Washington D.C. on the "RICHMOND DISPATCH online news" at her performance at the 2016 FILIPINO FESTIVAL at our Lady of Lourdes in Henrico, (Richmond, VA) . Thanks Rosario Igharas, Maria Cielo Sinsioco and all the wonderful organizers of this annual festival in Richmond for inviting Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) and ISA's Miss Teen Phils-America , always to your annual festival..
FILIPINO FESTIVAL 2016 https://t.co/y3rtG0cK1E via

Lurene Heyl danced as the Singkil princess on Saturday during the 11th annual Filipino Festival at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Woodman Road in Henrico County.

04/02/2016

THIS is today, SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2016 at 12 noon on the stage of the TIDAL BASIN, Washington D.C.
Come meet some of 's shining stars (Migrant Heritage Commission's FIL-AM DANCE ENSEMBLE & other Asian performing arts groups) this Saturday April 2 12noon at stage, then see them in full force on May 21st! Come early to get good area for a picnic or to watch.. NATIONAL DC CHERRY BLOSSOMS FESTIVAL. .FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. . .

MHC Heritage Dance Ensemble in action! Photo Credit: George Newcomb

03/29/2016

Migrant Heritage Commission's cover photo

01/17/2016

MHC's new office address is 3900 Jermantown Rd., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030

08/01/2014

DON'T MISS THIS RARE & HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH NOLI ME TANGERE, THE OPERA. VERY SOON 8-9 August 2014 for the first time at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The most awaited opera version of Jose Rizal's famous novel "NOLI ME TANGERE", to unfold right before your very eyes on 8-9 August 2014. Pls call or text 202-247-0117 or email [email protected] for tickets. August 9 , Saturday 8 p.m. by co-sponsored by MHC is @ $ 60, $ 80 and $ 100. August 8, Friday MAFFAA's premiere night @ $ 100 and $ 150.00. . For more info, pls go to this link: https://www.facebook.com/notes/grace-valera/maffaa-incs-noli-me-tangere-touch-me-not-the-opera-romancing-the-struggle-of-the/10152292496483196

11/29/2013

UST ALUMNI ASS'N IN AMERICA METRO WASHINGTON D.C.

Meet the Officers of UST Alumni Association in America.

11/01/2013

2nd Migrant Workers' Day Celebration Entertainment

ONE MORE NIGHT BEFORE MHC's HALLOWEEN OF FULL ROCKING AND DANCING FOR A GOOD-CAUSE @ D MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION's (MHC) 8th Fillipino Workers' Heritage Celebration. SHOW OFF YOUR BEST COSTUMES & and BE READY FOR AN EXCELLENT TREAT OF DELECTABLE FILIPINO CUISINES and AN AUTHENTIC CULTURAL PERFORMANCE with our HOMEGROWN talents of the MHC Fil-Am Ensemble plus Teen beauties. . .!

Watch the 2nd MIGRANT WORKERS' DAY CELEBRATION : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYiHHC5IcgQ
======================================
ANOTHER FULL NIGHT OF FUN AND DANCING @ Fort Myer's...

8th Annual MHC's Filipino Migrant Workers' Heritage Celebration:
CELEBRATING OUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COUNTRY

(Attire: MHC goes HALLOWEEN. .!!)

Nov 2, 2013, Saturday, 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Fort Myer Community Ballroom (next to the bowling center)
224 McNair Rd., Bldg. 411, Fort Myer, VA 22211
(it's a Military Base, so please be ready to present an ID or passport.)

SHOW OFF YOUR BEST HALLOWEEN COSTUMES (Most creative/original/dramatic etc) and WIN WONDERFUL PRIZES !!!

Come and join us this evening of rocking/ dancing in your halloween costumes and be recognized as "modern day heroes"... We all have our respective roles to fulfill and we did it and we're still doing it for the love of our family /relatives back home ..That evening, be recognized and honored for all your hard work (sending all your hard earned money for your family, and relatives).. It will be a night to remember ....with a bonus "SPECIAL CULTURAL PRESENTATION"

What's an Overseas worker? A doctor, a lawyer, a nurse, a teacher, an Accountant, an Artist, a caregiver, a businessman, a Pastor, a farmer etc. ???
Whether you're in the legal, academic, medical, service, finance, religious, business, performing arts, agriculture and other fields for as long as you migrated abroad to work, you're classified as Overseas Workers, the modern day heroes who have been helping sustain our home countries' economy through remittances, businesses,investments, services etc.
DJ NICKY
General Admission: $ 37.00 (but $ 7 OFF [or $ 30.00] if paid on or before 25 October 2013)
Teens 10 to 19 yrs old - $ 18.00
9 yrs & below - FREE
Pls make checks payable to MHC and mail to 3930 Walnut St. Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Proceeds will go to MHC's service and charitable programs for the community.

Seating is limited in FORT MYER so pls confirm early.
RSVP: Any of the 3 MHC ExecDirs: Grace Valera, Jesse A. Gatchalian or Arnedo S. Valera, Esq., 202-247-0117/ 202-631-8856/ 703-273-1196
email: [email protected]


https://www.facebook.com/events/618976561469316/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Filipino migrant workers with their families and friends were given a special Christmas treat of sumptuous "lechon" (roasted pigs), delectable Filipino dishe...

09/03/2013

MHC's TINIKLING ROCK N ROLL "SITSIRITSIT" @ FBA-NA 9th INTERCITY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Migrant Heritage Commission's (MHC) TINIKLING ROCK AND ROLL FUSION "'SITSIRITSIT" @ FBA-NA 9th INTERCITY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT hosted by FABA of METRO dc., Washington D.C.
The dance was choreographed by Grace Valera...

Entertaining the FBA teams from 16 cities all over the US and 6 cities Canada..Washington d.c (Faba of Metro DC) is host.CONGRATULATIONS FABA OF METRO DC! JOB WELL DONE ! It was our pleasure supporting you in this big event!

MHC Fil-Am dance ensemble composed of :
1) children (9-12 yrs old)
Josette Francia, 2012 Little Miss Philippine Migrant Heritage
Georgie Padua, 2012 Little Mr. Philippine Migrant Heritage
Jasmine Francia
2) Teenagers (15 yrs old-26 yrs old)
Matthew Emata Aninzo MHC Youth Envoy for Unity and Service
Alyssa Avelino MHC Youth Envoy and 2013 Miss Teen Philippines-America Maria Clara
Chastity Centina MHC Youth Envoy and 2013 Miss Teen Philippines-America
3) Adults (All MHC Envoys 35 yrs old above)
Jeannette Calahong
Carl Abella
Tony Calaro
Denia Bustamante
Ednora Franco
Jojo Franco
Carrie Macanas
Ronaldo Francia
Noel Dhennie Batoon Padua
Bel Francia
Ghie Padua

Choreographer : Grace Valera
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y99OZacadcE&feature=share

FBA-NA 9th INTERCITY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT HOSTED BY FABA of Metro DC. DANCE CHOREOGRAPHED BY MS GRACE VALERA.

06/25/2013

To all dear kababayans from New York, NJ, PA, MD, DC, VA and beyond. . .
Let's represent the Philippines on America's birthday at the 4th of July American National Day Parade, right in the birthplace of American Independence, PHILADELPHIA ! If interested to join, pls call us.. It's a lot of fun showcasing our Filipino culture and heritage to the American mainstream. Remember, not all groups/cultures are given a chance to showcase their cultures in a high profile, significant American-organized parade. We're lucky that the Philippines/ MHC has been selected so we're enjoining all our kababayans to join us and take part in this once-a-year America's birthday and PARADE WITH US AGAIN under the "PHILIPPINES" banner, right in the birthplace of American Independence in PHILADELPHIA !
https://www.facebook.com/notes/grace-valera/fil-am-communitys-participation-4th-of-july-in-philadelphiabplace-of-american-in/10151544778513196?notif_t=like

06/20/2013

For all our guests @ the 8th Annual Migrant Heritage People's Ball in Washington D.C. on 22 June 2013. There's a DISCOUNTED flat rate of $ 20.00 self-parking at the hotel. Vouchers will be issued by the hotel at the registration desk. Pls come early also since there's dancing from 5:30 p.m. to 6:35 p.m. (before dinner is served) to the vibrant music of DJ NICKY and Mike Herrera's ORACLE BAND .. FYI, only $ 85.00 seats available..All $ 100.00 and $ 75.00 tables SOLD OUT... ABS-CBN's TFC's famous anchorwoman GEL SANTOS RELOS to emcee once again !
Celebrate our theme of "AMERICA IS POWERED BY IMMIGRANTS", the Filipino Migration to the U.S. Anniversary, Philippine Independence Day and Fil-Am Friendship Day on this once-a-year most awaited and biggest EXTRAORDINARY GALA for UNITY AND SERVICE with H.E. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. , the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) and the Filipino-American and Immigrant communities who choose to "LIVE A LIFE THAT MATTERS !!!"
TO ALL GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS/leaders/MHC ENVOYS/PAST MHC AWARDEES, pls bring all your respective banners for the opening ceremonies. We all assemble @ 6:20 p.m. on the ballroom foyer like in previous years. Thanks a lot again for everyone's support ! ! https://www.facebook.com/events/289621377837692/

05/12/2013

http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/uploads/pdfs/embassy/2013/2013-0507-UndeliverableBallots.pdf

An urgent reminder to our Kababayans (both duly registered voters who are Filipino citizens or dual citizens) in the U.S. capital region:

URGENT REMINDER from the PHIL.EMBASSY TODAY ; 12 MAY 2013, pls cast your ballots @ the Consular office 1617 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington D.C. and not at the main Embassy bldg..

=====================================================================================================================================
You still have a chance to cast your ballot this weekend for the 2013 Philippine elections at the Consulate Office Bldg. of the Phil.Embassy this weekend (11-12 May from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and till 3:00 a.m. of 13 May 2013)
1617 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington D.C...(Unless you prefer not to for some valid reasons but we encourage you to do so...)
If you have not received your ballot yet, pls check this link of undeliverable ballotshttp://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/uploads/pdfs/embassy/2013/2013-0507-UndeliverableBallots.pdf

Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC)
202-247-0117/ 202-631-8856/ 703-273-1196
Washington D.C.
www.migrantheritage.org

A public service announcement under
MHC's Information Dissemination, Publicity & Research Program —

04/22/2013

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LAUREL ‘s
6TH ANNUAL WELLNESS CONFERENCE

SATURDAY, 27 APRIL 2013
from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m. - FREE HEALTH SCREENING & MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS
Cholesterol/Blood Glucose/BP check /Sight /Eye test/ Hepatitis B

10:30 -11:00 a.m. Migrant Heritage Commission's (MHC) IMMIGRATION SESSION ON THE COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION
REFORM BILL
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Continuation of HEALTH SCREENING and Medical Consultations
(FREE AND Open to everyone)

Health Screening conducted by

MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC)
(under its Healthcare Resource Program)
and
ALEXANDRIA ASIAN-AMERICAN LIONS CLUB DISTRICT 24-A VIRGINIA
WITH VOLUNTEER DOCTORS AND NURSES

FROM THE PHILIPPINE MEDICAL ASS’N (PMA), APPM, ISA, USTAAA, UP Medical, AND PHIL.NURSES ASS’N

THERE WILL ALSO BE HEPATITIS B SCREENING (19 yrs old to 70 yrs old) by the HEPATITIS B INITIATIVE OF WASHINGTON D.C.

IMPORTANT : NO MEALS 6 TO 8 HRS PRIOR TO

THE BLOOD GLUCOSE/ CHOLESTEROL TEST
=============================
Fecha : Saturday, 27 April 2013
Hora : 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. only
Lugar: First Baptist Church of Laurel (Primera Iglesia Bautista deLaurel)
15000 First Baptist Lane
Laurel, MD 20707

For more information, please call 202-247-0117, 202-631-8856 or 703-273-1196 or email [email protected]

Migrant Heritage Commission's/AAALC FREE HEALTH SCREENING at the First Baptist Church in Laurel, MD is now on its 6TH year of providing free health screening/ medical consultations to the Hispanic community. It started in April 2008 in conjunction with the First Baptist Church’s First Free Wellness Conference (Primer Conferencia Annual de Bienestar Gratis). For this year, there will be free HEPATITIS B screening from the Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington D.C. and the Immigration Seminar on the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill from MHC's Legal Resource Team


MHC HEALTH CARE RESOURCE PROGRAM – Under this program, MHC provides health care resources & refers underinsured or uninsured immigrants requiring health care services to licensed physicians. Under this project, MHC helps provide free medical consultations, health screenings and conduct health expos through the cooperation of volunteer doctors, nurses, health care providers & similar agencies and/ or in partnership with other civic minded organizations (Alexandria Asian-American Lions Club of VA 24-A), and volunteer nurses from the Philippine Nurses Ass’n of DC and MD and volunteer doctors from the Philippine Medical Ass’n, ISA, APPM, USTAAA, UP Medical Ass;n etc.)
Eye Test also courtesy of AMERICA’S BEST.

MHC LEGAL/ IMMIGRATION RESOURCE PROGRAM - c/o Migrant Heritage Commission Legal Team

The street of the First Baptist Church is new and is not listed on most online maps or popular GPS devices. Pls refer to the attached map for guidance:

04/17/2013

SUMMARY of US IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL
Sources : U.S. Senate staff and staff reports.
GRAPHIC: The Washington Post. Published April 16, 2013. Updated April 17, 2013.
AILA InfoNet.

Legalization and Legal Immigration

Individuals in unlawful status may apply to adjust their status to the legal status of REGISTERED PROVISIONAL IMMIGRANT STATUS. Eligible are : Residence in the U.S. prior to 31 Dec 2011 & maintenance of continuous physical presence since then; Paid a $ 500 (except DREAM ACT eligible students) & assessed taxes per adult applicant in addition to all applicable fees required to pay for the cost of processing the application.
----------------------------------

Path to Citizenship

Most of the 11 million people who are in the country illegally could apply for a green card after 10 years and citizenship three years after that.

Applicants must pay a $1,000 fine, pay back taxes, learn English, remain employed and pass a criminal background check.

Immigrants must have arrived in the United States before Jan. 1, 2012, to be eligible.

Dream Act youth can obtain green cards in five years and citizenship immediately thereafter.
-----------------------
Border Control

The Department of Homeland Security will receive $3 billion to improve border security through surveillance drones and 3,500 additional customs agents; $1.5 billion for fencing.

Within five years, DHS must achieve 100 percent surveillance of the southwest border with Mexico and apprehend 90 percent of people trying to cross illegally in high-risk sectors (areas where more than 30,000 people are apprehended annually).

If DHS does not meet the metrics, a border commission composed of governors and attorneys general from border states would be given five more years and additional funding to implement more stringent measures.

U.S. companies must implement the “E-verify” computer tracking system that aims to ensure that workers are legal residents within five years. All non-citizens will be required to show "biometric work authorization card" or "biometric green card."

The government must implement an exit/entry tracking system at ports of entry to determine whether foreign visitors or workers overstay their visas.
-------------------------------------
H-1B high-skilled visas

Visas for highly skilled engineers and computer programs would double from 65,000 to 110,000. In future years, the cap could rise to as much as 180,000.

Require employers with large numbers of H-1B visas to pay higher salaries and fees.
---------------------------------------

Guest worker “W-visa” program

New visa program for 20,000 foreigners in low-skilled jobs starting in 2015. Number of visas increases to 75,000 in 2019.

New federal bureau to analyze employment data to make recommendations for annual guest-worker visas caps beginning in 2020, to exceed no more than 200,000 annually.

Construction companies limited to no more than 15,000 visas per year.

“Safety-valve” to allow additional visas over the annual cap provided employers pay workers higher wages.
----------------------------------------
Farm worker H-2A program

Visas for agriculture workers limited to 337,000 over three years

Wages based on survey of labor-market data for various farming jobs.

-------------------------------------------------
Changes to family visa program

Allows unlimited number of visas per year for foreign spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents.

Eighteen months after the law takes effect, eliminates visas reserved for foreign brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and married children over 30 years of age.

Eliminates diversity visa program starting in 2015. Creates new merit-based visa category using point system based on family ties and work skills.

------------------------

For more information, pls feel free to call Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) 703-675-6334, 202-247-0117, 202-631-8856 or 703-273-1196 or email [email protected].. FREE Legal/Immigration consultations BRIEFING on this proposed BILL is being organized by MHC in different venues. Pls WATCH out for our announcements or if you wish one briefing to be held in your area or with your group, pls call us and we will schedule one for you.


===================================================


A FREE COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC) under its Information, Publication and Research Program
MHC brings people together to foster a culture of UNITY and SERVICE

3 MHC Executive Directors

Grace Divina Victoria S. Valera
Jesse A. Gatchalian
Arnedo S. Valera, Esq.
202-247-0117/ 202-631-8856/ 703-675-6334
[email protected] http://www.migrantheritage.org/

04/10/2013

Factsheets : Bataan Death March

1942 BATAAN DEATH MARCH

The Bataan Death March began on April 10, 1942, when the Japanese assembled about 78,000 prisoners (12,000 U.S. and 66,000 Filipino). They began marching up the east coast of Bataan. Although they didn't know it, their destination was Camp O'Donnell, north of the peninsula.

The men, already desperately weakened by hunger and disease, suffered unspeakably during the March. Regardless of their condition, POWs who could not continue or keep up with the pace were summarily executed. Even stopping to relieve oneself could bring death, so many chose to continue walking while relieving themselves.

Some of the guards made a sport of hurting or killing the POWs. The Marchers were beaten with rifle butts, shot or bayoneted without reason. Most of the POWs got rid of their helmets because some by Japanese soldiers on passing trucks hit them with rifle butts. Some enemy soldiers savagely toyed with POWs by dragging them behind trucks with a rope around the neck. Japanese guards also gave the POWs the "sun treatment" by making them sit in the sweltering heat of the direct sun for hours at a time without shade.

The Death Marchers received almost no water or food, further weakening their fragile bodies. Most POWs only received a total of a few cups of rice, and little or no water. Sympathetic Filipinos alongside the road tried to give POWs food and water, but if a guard saw it, the POW and the Filipino helper could be beaten or killed. Some POWs had the water in their canteens poured out onto the road or taken by the Japanese just to be cruel. Although thirst began to drive some of the men mad, if a POW broke ranks to drink stagnant, muddy water at the side of the road, he would be bayoneted or shot. Groups of POWs were often deliberately stopped in front of the many artesian wells. These wells poured out clean water, but the POWs were not allowed to drink it. Some were killed just because they asked for water. The POWs marched roughly 65 miles over the course of about six days until they reached San Fernando. There, groups as large as 115 men were forced into boxcars designed to hold only 30-40 men. Boxcars were so full that the POWs could not sit down. This caused more to die of heat exhaustion and suffocation in the cars on the ride from
San Fernando to Capas. The POWs then walked seven more miles to Camp O'Donnell. At the entrance to the camp, the POWs were told to lay out the few possessions they still had; any POW found with any Japanese-made items or money was executed on the spot.
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=15183

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