Tag Archives: Immigration

International, Politics, Religion, Travel

POPE FRANCIS SCOLDS PRESIDENT OBAMA

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President Obama and Pope Francis
President Obama and Pope Francis

Vatican City – President Barack Obama met for the first time with Pope Francis on Thursday, sitting across from the pontiff at a simple desk in the papal library for a discussion that explored their philosophical common ground and their differences. After the meeting, Obama described his discussion with the pope as “wide-ranging” and focused mainly on two issues: how to help the poor and marginalized, and how to confront conflicts.

What the media reports are not saying was the fact that Pope Francis scolded Obama for the latter’s treatment of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The Pope assailed Obama’s record in as far as the deportation of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. is concerned. The Obama administration has deported 2 Million undocumented immigrants, more than any American president.  Immigration advocates have repeatedly called on  Obama to stop deportations by executive order, but the President has said it would be difficult to act without Congress.

Pope Francis, wagging his finger at Obama, said that Jesus Christ had nothing but love and compassion towards sinners, the poor, the homeless, prostitutes, tax collectors and even criminals.  “I don’t understand why you have allowed the undocumented immigrants to be separated from their families,” Pope Francis told Obama. The pope added:  ” You yourself have adopted two dogs and provided them a comfortable and privileged life at your White House.  Why can’t you do the same for these unfortunate human beings?”

Sources close to Obama said that the President merely smiled at the Pontiff without saying a word.

 

 

International, Language, Law Enforcement, Politics

UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS WITH COMMON AMERICAN SURNAMES TO BE GIVEN PRIORITY IN OBTAINING LEGAL STATUS

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imageWashington, D.C. – Earlier this week, The Adobo Chronicles  reported that the Republicans in Congress have finally agreed to support comprehensive immigration reform through a bill that would grant amnesty to the estimated 11 Million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Today, we have learned about additonal details of the almost identical bills in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

A key provision of the bills spells out who will be given priority in legalization or citizenship.

Undocumented immigrants whose last names correspond to the top 25 most common American surnames will be given priority in applying for a green card and eventual citizenship. The provision does not make any distinction among surnames acquired by birth, marriage or through court-approved petitions.

Hispanic, Latino, Chinese and Filipino immigration advocates immediately hailed the proposal considering that the list of top 25 most common American surnames includes : Garcia, Martinez, Rodriguez and Lee.

 

Film and TV, Human Interest, International, Law Enforcement, Music, The Media, Travel

WILL THE ‘UNDOCUMENTED’ ROSE FOSTANES PLEASE STEP FORWARD?

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imageTel Aviv, Israel – The  story of  a Filipina caregiver who captivated the world for winning the first-ever X Factor Israel this week is one of “rags to riches.” After winning the singing competition, 47-year old Rose Fostanes is on her way to recording contracts and professional gigs that would pay millions of dollars.

But, STOP THE PRESSES!

While Fostanes the caregiver is documented in Israel, Fostanes the singer is not. Like with most immigration laws anywhere in the world, foreign nationals are granted work permits to get paid for the specific jobs that they were recruited for. In Fostanes’ case, she can legally work in Israel only as a caregiver.

This means that Fostanes cannot get paid for recording contracts or professional concerts and appearances within Israel.  This has become a big dilemma for the producers of X Factor Israel.

But no worries. The producers have come up with a brilliant idea to skirt around the country’s immigration laws.

Beginning next week, Fostanes will go on a road tour throughout Israel, visiting hospitals and convalescent homes, singing for the sick and elderly. All her appearances will be televised and she will get paid for it.

“We will be paying her as a caregiver, not as a singer,” the producers said, “so we will not be violating any Israeli law or the conditions of her legal work permit.

All’s well that ends well.