Fil-Am lawyers oppose, act upon Trump travel ban

NEW YORK - President Donald Trump’s executive order, which bans citizens from seven predominantly Muslim nations, has become an issue within the Filipino American community especially since Trump has mentioned the Philippines as a concern during his election campaign.

“I think it’s clear at this point that it’s highly unlikely that the travel ban will be expanded to include the Philippines,” said Fil-Am Atty. Rio Guerrero. “In all likelihood, they would probably wait to see how this all plays out before the court system and probably the Supreme Court, before they were to issue any new travel ban, or to try to expand the existing one obviously.”

The National Filipino American Lawyers Association, or NFALA, a three-year old organization with about 700 lawyer members across the United States, opposes the president’s executive order, which they say promotes hostility toward immigrants and refugees.

The organization has mobilized efforts to support the needs of affected individuals.

“We don’t want any groups being singled out. This is a country where we’ve always welcomed immigrants,” said Atty. Jhanice Domingo, President of NFALA. “We’re asking attorneys and people in the US to speak up and oppose this travel ban. We’re asking immigration attorneys to help out.”

Its local affiliate, the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York, has been volunteering at different airports, disseminating information on their availability to those who may be affected by the travel ban.

Lawyers urge the community to remain vigilant not only on the issue of immigration, but on other issues as well.

They assure the community that they will advocate for citizens' rights.

“Lawyers will defend our country. We will defend the freedoms and the liberties of the people here in the United States, both the documented and the undocumented, fighting for the rights of individuals, and their families,” said Guerrero.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

2 Pinays win prestigious Daly City awards

DALY CITY, California – For the first time in Daly City’s history, two Filipinos were bestowed the city’s highest yearly honor for its residents.

Outgoing Daly City Mayor and Filipino American Ray Buenaventura named Dorie Paniza as Citizen of the Year. The Youth of the Year award was given to Jasmine Cruz.

Serving as Daly City’s Culture and Arts Commissioner and as the President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County, Paniza said she has dedicated her life to bringing more awareness to the Filipino American community.

"I still feel overwhelmed and also happy and grateful for being awarded Citizen of the Year for Daly City. I also feel satisfied now and proud for my mom that I’m her daughter," Paniza said.

Since she was 3, Jasmine Cruz trained in a variety of dance styles including jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and classical ballet.

Now 13 years old, Cruz has won numerous awards and was given the opportunity to train and perform around the world, including the Homecoming Gala of Ballet Philippines 45th Anniversary in Manila.

"I’m really honored and excited. It’s just a general adrenaline rush really because this is a really big thing for me," Cruz said.

Paniza and Cruz are both humbled by the recognition and hope it can inspire Filipinos in communities everywhere.

"I’m again, really honored because the fact that I have the opportunity to show that we can do this and we have the talent and the drive to do it is really amazing,” said Cruz.

“Daly City is well-known as a Filipino community,” said Paniza. “Now is the time that all the Filipinos should unite and work together to be proud that we are Filipino not just here in Daly City but all over the world.”

As the first dual Pinays to receive the honor, Paniza and Cruz say they hope it won’t be the last.

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source: www.abs-cbnnews.com