'Toy napigket nga daga
Pitpitenmi nga umuna
Danggayanmi't kankanta
Takkiagmi a napigsa
Kettang ken bannogmi
dikam igingina 

     Mannamili
     Ilokano Folk Song

ABSTRACT

          The presentation discusses the trends in terms of legislative responses to the complex immigration and naturalization issues in the United States and how these trends impact the life of immigrants in general and Filipinos in particular. In discussing these trends and responses to these trends, I will follow a case approach to them and cite concrete scenarios from my practice of immigration law.

          These scenarios, however, are not meant to create an impression that they are drawn from specific cases but rather, these are put together to highlight the dynamic and energy in these scenarios and thus, these must be seen as created and creative composites to draw attention to specific and particular issues and their possible solutions. In the main, the immigrant community where a large number of Filipino Americans find an affinity is always one community that walks on difficult immigration ground and the walking is not the least easy in some instances. It is hoped that the casuist models I will put together will serve as a springboard for an enlightened discussion on the need to come up with creative solutions to such immigration issues. In coming up with creative solutions, there have been many instances where the language issues are pertinent, hence, the need for professionals of the Filipino heritage languages in and outside the courtroom.       

Nakem Centennial Conference Secretariat
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