Balita Midweek, Wed. - Fri., February 29 - March 2, 2012


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OPINION/EDITORIAL Immigration basics


WHETHER you decide to come for a visit, or plan to make the U.S. your new home, you will likely need to apply for a visa. Often people who have not been to the U.S. are under the mistaken im- pression that they will be welcomed


IMMIGRATION MATTERS


migration Services and the De- partment of State.


Green Cards Atty. PAUL M. ALLEN


to the U.S. with open arms. This is not the case, and if you plan to come to the U.S. for any length of time, you will need to determine whether you fit into eligibility categories for either a temporary of permanent stay. After you determine the eli- gibility requirements of either a temporary stay (non-immigrant visa), or permanent residence (green card), you will need to submit an application(s). The agencies that govern immigra- tion in the United States are the U.S. Citizenship and Im-


If you want to come to the United States per- manently, you will


need a green card. With a green card, you are free to live and work in the U.S. and travel abroad, with few restrictions. Family members of U.S. citizens frequently obtain green cards. Green cards are also is- sued to workers and investors with special skills, or individu- als that have been petitioned by their employer. There are other categories for green card holders, such as people that are seeking refugee or asylum status, or those who are fleeing persecution in the home country.


Non-Immigrant Visas If you are planning to come to the U.S. for a visit for a certain period of time, then you will need a non-immigrant visa. This will allow you to stay in the U.S. to work, study and visit until your visa expires. Students, individuals doing business in the U.S., tourists, and workers, com- monly obtain non-immigrant visas. Visa Waivers


If you are short-term visi- tor and you are from a certain country that is listed by the government, you are allowed to come to the U.S. for 90 days without a visa for either business or pleasure. You will still need a passport. If you are from a listed country, you can present your passport and airline ticket to immigration officers upon your entry into the U.S.


How Do I Get My Immigra- tion Documentation?


After you have determined what type of documentation you will need, you will need


to obtain a visa from the U.S. consulate before you enter the United States. If you are already in the U.S., you can adjust your status to a permanent resident or change your status. It is rec- ommended that you contact a qualified immigration lawyer for assistance in this matter. U.S. immigration laws can be com- plex, and it important to ensure a smooth process. Any mistakes in the process can delay your receiving your paperwork. Honesty is Essential It is important to mention that one of the biggest things that can prevent your obtaining a green card or visa is to not be truthful on your paperwork or during an interview with immigration officials. If you are caught, you can be immediately barred from entering the U.S. This can mean that you will be denied entry, or once the mistake is discovered, you can be deported.


Lawyer


Speak with an Immigration It is important to ensure


VERY FEW realize that to produce a single gold ring, 20 tons of mine wastes are gener- ated. And where does all mine wastes go? To the rivers, the water systems, the air, the soil, the animals and the plants. Eventually, these toxic wastes will fi nd themselves lodged in human bodies.


Based on studies, trillions of dollars worth of minerals are found on Philippine soil. Some argue that if God put them there, then they must have been meant to be extracted. But is mining for gold, silver, copper, and other minerals worth the consequences?


Since the Min-


ing Act of 1995 (RA 7942) was passed, large-scale mining companies have infl icted un- told destruction and damage to the environment. Water systems, the air, soil and the bio- diversity of many regions of the country, especially, Mindanao, have been contaminated with dangerous toxins. Thousands of trees are cut when min- ing operations begin and the ground is excavated and blown


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Who profi ts from mining? GUEST COLUMN


up to extract ores that


contain min- erals. Moun- tains are fl attened; the soil gets eroded.


By RITA LINDA JIMENO


Indigenous peoples are displaced and, fre- quently,


rendered homeless. Mining threatens the coun-


try’s food security, too. Rivers and water systems and the soil get polluted and can no longer sustain life. The “Save Palawan Movement” said that since mining started in the island, the water for irrigation has become so contaminated rice production was cut by more than 50 percent. Marinduque Governor, Carmencita Reyes said that lead deposits have killed the Kalangkang river in her prov- ince because open-pit mines leached into the river system. This translates to a loss of sup- ply of fresh water fi sh and oth- er aquatic animals. The mining operations in her province have resulted in the destruction of forest areas and caused erosion which led to severe fl ooding in 1993 and 1996. The governor also said that children liv- ing near the mining areas are generally affl icted with such physical disorders and illnesses as inability to concentrate and aplastic anemia, a disease that causes bone marrow failure. Mining destroys, and destroys


that you have met the proper criteria for whichever visa you are applying for. It is very im- portant to have an experienced immigration lawyer assist you in this process to avoid lengthy delays, or worse, denial of your paperwork.


Contact the experienced im- migration attorneys at the Law Offices of Paul M. Allen for guidance. We provide immigra- tion services including family, fiancé and employment peti- tions, student and investor visas, visa extensions, naturalization and more.


Come in today and speak with an immigration lawyer from our team. We will provide you with sound legal guidance as well as a free consultation. We have three locations to serve you, Glendale (818) 334-5445, Cerritos (562) 356-9931 and West Covina (626) 262-4446. With your first appointment, you will receive legal guidance and a free consultation, so call today.


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big. The experience of coun- tries destroyed by mining, among which is the Republic of Nauru, proves that there is no such animal as sustainable mining.


Who profi ts from mining? The representatives of the Chamber of Mines say that they create jobs; that schools, hospitals and roads are built where they have operations. Yet, these little benefi ts, if you can call them that, mean nothing when the water, the


leased by a big number of non- governmental organizations and individuals who participat- ed in the International Confer- ence on Mining in Mindanao, they called for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995. Min- danao is host to what experts call the “most dangerous mines anywhere in the world,” also referred to as the “biggest time bombs.” They also called for a moratorium on large-scale mining; the suspension or can- cellation of all mining opera-


Who profi ts from mining? The representatives of the Chamber of Mines say that they create jobs; that schools, hospitals and roads are built where they have operations. Yet, these little benefi ts, if you can call them that, mean nothing when the water, the air and the soil, which are the sources of life, are destroyed anyway. Too, these token benefi ts cannot erase the suffering of indigenous peoples who are uprooted from their communities to make way for mining. In the fi nal analysis, the only ones who profi t from mining are the big businessmen who put their money in the industry.


air and the soil, which are the sources of life, are destroyed anyway. Too, these token ben- efi ts cannot erase the suffering of indigenous peoples who are uprooted from their communi- ties to make way for mining. In the fi nal analysis, the only ones who profi t from mining are the big businessmen who put their money in the industry. The contribution of the mining and quarrying industry in the Gross Domestic Product of the country averaged from 2000 to 2009 is, after all, a mere 0.9 per cent.


In a statement recently re-


tions while the mining policies are being reviewed; and the enactment of the Consolidated Alternative Minerals Mining Bill.


The people’s representatives


in Congress could serve the country so much better if the time for which they are paid is spent more on matters that will spell a difference in the life, well-being and future of the people; rather than attempting to convict the chief justice on what now appears to be shaky grounds.


Email: ritalindaj@gmail.


com Visit: www.jimenolaw. com.ph


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