USP4GG to host forum on TPS on Wednesday

In an effort to continue the campaign of Temporary Protected Status designation for the Philippines, the US Pinoys for Good Governance Marianas chapter, in collaboration with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations Marianas chapter, will be providing another round of free calls to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and will be hosting a community forum on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at the Minatchom Atdao Pavilion in Susupe, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, right after the program on the 72nd Commemoration of the Death March in the Philippines, which is also called “ Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor).

“Since the Department of Homeland Security has received the recommendation from Secretary John Kerry of the U.S. Department of State and has not made any decision for the TPS, let us continue to campaign for the full TPS designation of the Philippines. Let us show the Filipino unity and solidarity for this great cause,” said Dr. Celia Lamkin, chairperson of USP4GG and NaFFAA Marianas chapters for CNMI and Guam.

In March 27, during the designated national day for community action to call DHS to grant TPS for the Philippines by the USP4GG and the coalition of Filipino-American groups in the U.S. and the Marianas, 40 Filipinos, U.S. citizens, and non-U.S. citizens availed the free calls to DHS and showed support.

The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly looking into the legal justification for a full or partial TPS for the Philippines (only those who have families in the areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda.

“Again, I am urging all Filipinos in the U.S., Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam to call the Department of Homeland Security at (202)-282-8495 and the White House at (202) 456-1111. Please say the following message: ‘Temporary Protected Status for the Philippines must be designated. I urge the Department of Homeland Security (if calling DHS) and President Obama (if calling the White House) that full TPS be designated for the Philippines. My name is (say your name) from (say your city and state),’” Lamkin reiterated.

“ It has come to my attention that some kababayans [compatriots] are still confused about TPS. Hence, we are encouraging the Filipinos to participate in the community forum,” added Lamkin.

California lawyer Ted Laguatan, spokesperson and legal counsel of U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance, is reminding Filipinos in the CNMI to be careful with agencies and individuals who are providing immigration services for a fee who are not authorized by law. (PR)