1

2
 Handbook
for Filipinos
Migrating
to the United States
of America
2019 Edition
 contents
Chapters

Foreword p.1

1
Pre-Departure:
Getting Ready for Travel
What travel and settlement documents do I need to bring? p.4
What are the baggage restrictions? p.6
What items are permitted or prohibited? p.8
How much money am I allowed to bring? p.14
What airport procedures should I be familiar with? p.15

2
Settlement:
Adjusting to life in the U.S.
What is culture shock? How do I cope? p.22
How do I become a responsible immigrant? p.25
How do I become a US citizen? p.33
How can I sponsor a relative? p.35
How do I open a bank account in the US? p.44
Should I rent or buy a home? p.45
How do I get around? p.49
What health insurance is applicable to me? p.51
How can I buy a phone? p.55
What is the educational system in the US? p.57
How do I upgrade my language skills? p.60
Where can I get help? p.61

3
Building a
Support Network
How do I expand my social and work contacts? p.66
4
Employment:
Securing a Job
How do I get my credentials recognized? p.72
Where do I look for a job? p.77
How do I write a resume and a cover letter? p.80
What is the best way to prepare for an interview? p.85
What is the general US workplace environment like? p.92

5
Managing Your Finances
What is the importance of financial planning? p.96
How do I start saving? p.99
What is credit history? How do I build my credit score? p.101
What do I need to know about remittances? p.104
The Ten Commandments of Financial Literacy p.111

6
Maintaining and Strengthening
Ties with the Philippines
How do I vote overseas? p.114
What does dual citizenship mean? p.115
How do I participate in development programs
in the Philippines? p.119

7
Annexes
Annex I: An Overview of the Nonimmigrant Visa Process p.126
Annex II: Information on the Legal Rights Available to
Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence in the United States
and Facts about Immigrating on a Marriage-Based Visa
(English and Tagalog version) p.136
Annex III: 2018 Presidential Awardees for Filipino Individuals
and Organizations Overseas in the United States p.151
Annex IV: Filipino Community and Migrant Organizations p.152
Annex V: Directory of Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the US p.154
Annex VI: Directory of US Federal Departments and Agencies p.156
Annex VII: Kapit Ka! Financial Exercise p.160
Annex VII: Country Profile of the United States of America p.163
8
 FOREWORD

Y ou are about to embark on a journey across borders, across cultures, and

across national identities. This journey is bound to change your life and that
of your family.

Whatever your motivations are, adequate preparation will increase your

chances of a seamless transition to this new life and will greatly contribute to the
achievement of your migration goals.

It is important that you comply with government and airline travel requirements
to avoid unnecessary inconvenience when exiting the Philippines and entering
the United States of America (USA). Equally important is your awareness of
regulations governing your permanent residence and your knowledge and
appreciation of primary settlement concerns so that you may proceed with
confidence and with minimum distraction in your daily activities.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), having a long history of supporting

Filipinos settling abroad, has prepared this guide which hopefully will help you
adapt in your new life in the US. It covers an array of topics from pre-departure
activities to travel details, from finding employment to seeking support
networks, from opening a bank account to applying for US Government-issued
IDs and other services such as social security and health insurance, from
managing finances to maintaining your ties with the Philippines.

Please take time to carefully read and reread this handbook. It is our way of
wishing you a safe trip and a successful life abroad.

Hangad namin ang inyong tagumpay sa buhay at maayos na paglalakbay. Sana

ay huwag ninyong kalimutan at patuloy na ipagmalaki ang mga mabubuting
kaugalian at kultura nating mga Pilipino!

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 1
by listing general pre-departure requirements, travel
regulations, and airport procedures. Travelling as an
Pre-Departure
This chapter strives to prepare you for your travel abroad

immigrant entails enormous amount of preparation. Make

sure to allot adequate time to get your affairs in order.
Since requirements and guidelines vary depending on your
visa status and chosen airline, you are strongly advised
to consult with your respective airline and appropriate
government agencies. Outlined in this chapter are:

• Travel Documents
• Luggage Restrictions and Restricted Items
• Travel Funds
• Airport Procedures

Getting Ready
for Travel
3
 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Weeks before you are scheduled to leave, gather all the necessary travel and
settlement documents you need for a hassle-free departure from the Philippines
and smooth entry into the US. In addition to the set of original documents you will
be bringing in your hand-carry luggage, you are strongly advised to have a set of
photocopied or scanned copies in your check-in luggage. You may also leave copies
with your family or close relatives, who remain in the Philippines.

Remember to familiarize yourself with your travel documents. Keep the original set
in a place where it is easily retrievable (preferably a sturdy plastic envelope) because
you will be asked to present these documents at various points at the airport in the
Philippines and the US.

Valid Immigrant
or Resident Visa
Valid Philippine
Passport

Airline Ticket

Note: Your passport should be

valid for more than 6 months
from the date of departure

4
CFO Emigrant Registration Sticker

• Affixed to your passport, to be checked by Bureau of

Immigration officers at the Immigration counter as part of
airport/exit procedures.

Note: Filipino emigrants or those granted with an immigrant-

class visa are required by the Philippine Government by
virtue of Article 19 of Presidential Decree No. 442 to register
with CFO before leaving the country to settle abroad.

Visa Packet with attached Immigrant Data Summary (IDS)

IDS
This is a one-page document attached to your visa
packet which contains a summary of information about
you, your petitioner, and your port of entry. If there
are errors on your IDS, you need to contact the US
Embassy by email at [email protected].

Visa Packet
This is the sealed yellow packet you received when
your visa was delivered to you via courier. You should
carefully read the information contained both on the
visa itself and in the cover letter stapled to the sealed
packet. The visa packet, together with the passport
and the CD from St. Luke’s Medical Center, should be
hand carried when you leave for the US. The yellow
envelope/packet should only be opened by the officer
of the United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) at your port of entry.

NOTE: If you did not receive an immigrant visa packet,

your visa should be annotated with the phrase ‘IV Docs
in CCD’. This is because you already scanned your
supporting documents as part of the visa process.

DSWD Travel Clearance

For minors traveling without either parent issued

by the Department of Social Welfare Development
(DSWD)

5
 Other documents

• Government Clearance (for government employees and

elected public officials)
• Marriage Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority
(with annotation if divorced or annulled)
• Certificate of No Marriage
• Birth Certificate
• Baptismal Certificate
• Adoption papers (if applicable)
• School records, report cards
• Education and professional credentials
• Employment records
• Health/Medical records (x-ray films, dental records, etc.)
• Financial records
• Other forms of identification

For more information on some of these documents, see the

chapters on Settlement and Employment.

LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
AND RESTRICTED ITEMS1

The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the agency

responsible for screening all commercial airline passengers and baggage. TSA (www.
tsa.gov) has released guidelines on baggage restrictions and items that are permitted
and prohibited to be brought to the US. It is your responsibility as a traveler to
acquaint yourself with these regulations.

Check-in Luggage

The luggage allowance will depend on your chosen airline. It is necessary that you
contact the airline to double-check their policy on this matter. Generally, for US-

1. Traveler Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from US Transport Security Administration:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information

6
bound flights, passengers are allowed to check in up to two pieces of luggage each
weighing not more than 50 lbs or 22.7 kgs (total of 100 lbs/45.4 kg). Anything in
excess will be subject to additional charges.

Hand Carry or Carry-on Luggage

Carry-on bag should not weigh more than 7 kgs (15 lbs) and not go beyond the 45”
linear dimension (length + width + height) allowed by the airline. There are bag sizers
available at the airport lobby to help you check if your bag will fit onboard. Note
that once you are at the gate, any item in excess of the carry-on baggage size or
allowance requirements will be checked to your final destination and may be subject
to applicable service charges.

TSA allows each traveler to carry on liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4
ounces (100 mL) or less, inside a single quart-size (liter-size) clear, sealable bag.

Important Note: As of January 31, 2014, passengers traveling internationally

into the US and connecting to another flight are allowed to have in their carry-on
baggage liquids in excess of 3.4 ounces (100 mL) that were purchased as duty-free
merchandise.

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 Restricted Items

As a guide, please refer to the list below on restricted items per TSA rules:

ITEMS LUGGAGE
Category: Sharp Objects Carry-on? Check-in?
Box Cutters NO OK
Ice Axes/Ice Picks NO OK
Knives - except for plastic or round bladed butter knives NO OK
Meat Cleavers NO OK
Razor-Type Blades - such as box cutters, utility knives, and NO OK
safety razor blades (disposable razors and their cartridges
are permitted)
Sabers NO OK
Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than NO OK
4 inches are allowed, but blades longer than 4 inches are
prohibited
Swords - cutting or thrusting weapons, including NO OK
fencing foils
Category: Sporting Goods Carry-on? Check-in?
Baseball Bats NO OK
Bows and Arrows NO OK
Cricket Bats NO OK
Golf Clubs NO OK
Hockey Sticks NO OK
Lacrosse Sticks NO OK
Pool Cues NO OK
Skates (including ice skates and rollerblades) OK OK
Ski Poles NO OK
Spear Guns NO OK

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 Category: Guns and Firearms Carry-on? Check-in?
Ammunition - Check with your airline or travel agent to see NO OK
if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline
you are flying with. Small arms ammunitions for personal use
must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or
other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts
of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.
BB guns NO OK
Compressed Air Guns (to include paintball markers) - Carried NO OK
in checked luggage without compressed air cylinder attached.
Firearms - firearms carried as checked baggage. MUST NO OK
be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and
declared to the airline at check-in.
Flare Guns - May be carried as checked baggage. MUST NO OK
be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and
declared to the airline at check-in.
Flares NO NO
Gun Lighters NO NO
Gun Powder including black powder and percussion caps NO NO
Parts of Guns and Firearms NO OK
Pellet Guns NO OK
Realistic Replicas of Firearms NO OK
Starter Pistols - can only be carried as checked baggage and NO OK
MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container,
and declared to the airline at check-in.
Category: Tools Carry-on? Check-in?
Axes and Hatchets NO OK
Cattle Prods NO OK
Crowbars NO OK
Hammers NO OK
Drills and drill bits (including cordless portable power drills) NO OK
Saws (including cordless portable power saws) NO OK
Tools (greater than seven inches in length) NO OK
Wrenches/Pliers/Screwdrivers (seven inches or less OK OK
in length)

9
 Category: Martial Arts and Self-Defense Items Carry-on? Check-in?
Billy Clubs NO OK
Black Jacks NO OK
Brass Knuckles NO OK
Kubatons/Kubotan (self-defense keychain) NO OK
Self-Defense Sprays - One 4 ounce (118ml) container of NO OK
mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage
provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent
accidental discharge. Self-Defense Sprays containing more
than 2% by mass of Tear Gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in
checked baggage.
Martial Arts Weapons NO OK
Night Sticks NO OK
Nunchucks NO OK
Stun Guns/Shocking Devices NO OK
Throwing Stars NO OK
Category: Explosive Materials Carry-on? Check-in?
Blasting Caps NO NO
Dynamite NO NO
Fireworks NO NO
Flares (in any form) NO NO
Hand Grenades NO NO
Plastic Explosives NO NO
Realistic Replicas of Explosives NO NO
Category: Flammable Items Carry-on? Check-in?
Aerosol (any except for personal care or toiletries in NO NO
limited quantities)
Fuels (including cooking fuels and any flammable NO NO
liquid fuel)
Gasoline NO NO
Gas Torches NO NO
Lighter Fluid NO NO
Common Lighters - Lighters are prohibited in checked baggage, NO NO
unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT)
exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly
enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to
whether your lighter is prohibited, please leave it at home.

10
Strike-anywhere Matches - One book of safety (non-strike NO NO
anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all
matches are prohibited in checked baggage.
Flammable Paints (See Other Items below for non-flammable NO NO
paints)
Turpentine and Paint Thinner NO NO
Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries NO NO
Category: Disabling Chemicals and Carry-on? Check-in?
Other Dangerous Items
Chlorine for Pools and Spas NO NO
Small compressed gas cartridges OK OK
CO2 Cartridge for life vest (Up to 2 in life vests and 2 spares. OK OK
The spares must accompany the life vests and presented as
one unit)
Fire extinguishers and other compressed gas cylinders NO NO
Liquid Bleach NO NO
Recreational Oxygen (non-medically required, flavored or NO NO
canned oxygen containers)
Spillable Batteries - except those in wheelchairs NO NO
Spray Paint NO NO
Tear Gas - Self-Defense Sprays containing more than 2% by NO NO
mass of Tear Gas (CS or CN).
Vehicle Airbags Carry-on? Check-in?
Other Items NO OK
Gel-type candles NO NO
Flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint NO NO
Non-flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint NO NO
Snow globes (unless otherwise prohibited)* OK OK
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to
prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
*Illegally controlled substances: TSA’s screening procedures, which are governed by federal
law, are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and pas-
sengers. As has always been the case, if during the security screening procedures an officer
discovers an item that may violate federal law, TSA refers the matter to law enforcement. Law
enforcement officials will determine if further action is appropriate.

11
12
13
 TRAVEL FUNDS

You need sufficient travel funds to support you during the first few months of living
in the United States. You are allowed to bring out of the Philippines any amount
in dollar bills or traveler’s cheques not exceeding USD 10,000 as well as Philippine
currency not exceeding Php 50,000 (starting Sept. 2016, BSP Circular 922 series of
2016. In excess of the limit would require prior written authorization from the BSP).
The USD 10,000 limit also covers foreign exchange-denominated bearer monetary
instruments.

If you bring out or into the Philippines foreign currency amounting to USD 10,000 or
more, you are required to declare the said amount using the following forms:

• BSP Foreign Currency Declaration form (BSP-IOD-Form No. 1-02), which may
be obtained from the BSP or Bureau of Customs counter at the airport.

• US Report of International Transportation of Currency and Monetary

Instruments Form, FinCEN 105 (former CF4790), which may be obtained
from the Customs Boarder Protection (CBP) website (www.cbp.gov) prior to
travelling, or when going through the CBP at the US port of entry.

BSP-IOD Form 1-02. Foreign Currency Declaration Form

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/downloads/regulations/attachments/2002/cl01222002.pdf

14
AIRPORT PROCEDURES

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) provides useful information on

check-in and security procedures, passenger services, transit and transportation,
airport facilities, and luggage regulations. You are advised to visit the MIAA website
(www.miaa.gov.ph) and your airline’s website to familiarize yourself with the
procedures and layout of the airport terminals.

Departure airport (NAIA) procedures2

You are urged to be at the airport at least three hours prior to your departure time to
give allowance for airport security measures and long queues. Only passengers with
valid tickets and passports will be allowed inside the terminal.

Go through Security and Customs check and submit luggage for

1 inspection.

• Airport security will ask for your passport and ticket

before you are allowed entry. (Note: Ensure that all travel
documents are easily retrievable for the various times you
will need to present it—upon entry, during check-in, and at
the Immigration counters.)
• Luggages are screened prior to entering the departure hall
where the check-in desks are located. The terminals enforce
security policies regarding carrying liquids, aerosols, and
gels aboard aircraft. See Restricted Items section of this
handbook.

2 Pay your Travel Tax.

• The amount of travel tax you are required to pay is

dependent on your ticket: First Class passengers should pay
PHP 2,700; while Business and Economy Class passengers
should pay PHP 1,620.
• Eligible passengers may avail of the following exemption

2. At The Terminal. (n.d.). Retrieved from Manila International Airport Authority:

http://www.miaa.gov.ph

15
 and reduced rates: Children below two years old or two
years old on the date of flight are 100 percent exempted;
while children between 2-11 years old or 12 years old on
the date of flight can avail of a 50 percent reduced rate.

• Payments can be made through the following:

• Through an airline office or travel agency;
• Directly to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority (TIEZA) or formerly known as Philippine
Tourism Authority office prior to your departure date;
• To the TIEZA Travel Tax counter at the airport on the day
of your departure (prior to check-in); or
• Online at Tieza Online Travel Tax Payment System
(OTTPS) at https://traveltax.tieza.gov.ph for full travel
tax rates only.
• Secure an official receipt and present this to the check-in
counter.

For further information regarding travel tax, you may visit the TIEZA
website (http://tieza.gov.ph/index.php/travel-tax).

3 Check-in your luggage.

• Check-in counters open two hours prior to flight departure.

You may also consult with the airline if they have services
for online check-in. Certain airlines also allow passengers to
print their boarding pass.
• Present your valid passport, plane ticket, and travel tax
receipt. In return, you will be provided with a boarding pass.
If you have a connecting flight, note that you should also
receive a separate boarding pass for each flight.
• Request for an Embarkation/Departure Card, which you will
present at the Immigration counter.

4 Proceed to the Terminal Fee Counter.

• Passengers two years old and above are required to pay
a passenger service fee/terminal fee of Php 550 (as of
January 2014).
(Note: 1. Check the MIAA website for any announcements
on the changes in terminal fee payment; 2. Starting 1
February 2015, the terminal fee is already included upon
purchase of the airline ticket when departing from Manila.

16
 In all other international airports you still have to pay this
fee at the counter in the airport. Also for other international
airports, this fee varies.)

5 Proceed to the Immigration Counter.

• Fill out the Philippine Embarkation/

Departure card prior to lining up.
• For convenience, bring a pen with you
and a small notebook with the following
information so you may easily complete
the form:
• Passport number, date, and place
of issue
• Address in the US
• Present your travel documents
(passport, ticket, boarding pass, and
terminal fee stub) to the Immigration
officer. In some instances, other
documents may be required (see
section on Travel Documents).

Bureau of Immigration Departure Card

6 Go through the final security check.

• In the final security check, you will submit your hand carry
bag/s for inspection and x-ray screening. You may be asked
to remove your shoes, belt, and jacket.
• Electronic gadgets such as laptops or tablets should be taken
out of the bag and placed in a plastic tray container (often
provided at the check-in counter) for inspection. Make sure
you do not have your keys or cellphone or any metal object
in your pockets when going through security check.

7 Proceed to your boarding area/gate.

• You may wait for your flight at the designated departure

lounge or boarding area. Make sure to take note of the

17
 boarding time (indicated in your boarding pass) and any
announcements regarding changes in your flight schedule
or departure gate.
• Boarding normally starts 45 minutes before departure.
Listen to all announcements carefully.
• Once you are ready to board, present your boarding pass
and passport. A portion of your boarding pass will be
collected and scanned by the airline personnel at the gate
for cross-checking purposes.

What
is the difference
between a
plane ticket
and a boarding A plane ticket is a
confirmation, issued by
pass? the airline, that you have
purchased a seat to a
particular flight. It contains
your date of travel, ticket
number, and travel routes,
among others.

A boarding pass is a pass that authorizes the passenger

to board the aircraft. This is issued by the same airline
after you have checked-in. It identifies the name of the
passenger, seat assignment, gate number, flight number,
and date and time of departure.

Transit Airport Procedures

If you are taking a connecting flight in another country before heading to the US,
please take note of the following:

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 For passengers with an onward boarding pass, follow the directional
1 signs at the airport and proceed to your boarding gate.

For passengers without an onward boarding pass, proceed to your

airline’s transfer desk and obtain a boarding pass then head to the
boarding area.

Please consult with your airline regarding your luggage. Some

2 airlines transfer the luggage automatically onto the connecting flight
(also referred to as “check through”). Label your luggage properly
and make sure that your luggage is not left at the transit terminal.

Similarly, you will have to go through security screening and follow

3 airport protocols. Aim to be at the designated boarding area 30
minutes before departure, if possible.

Destination Airport Procedures

Once you have arrived at your destination airport, please take note of the following:

Proceed to the Immigration counter once you have exited

1 the plane.

Present you travel/entry documents (passport, visa, embassy

2 envelope/visa packet, medical records, Customs form, etc) at the
Immigration counter. A CBP official will stamp your passport and
make a notation that you are registered for a long-term permanent
resident (LPR) card. Confirm the correct mailing address of where
you wish your LPR to be delivered.

3 Proceed to the Customs area for the final Customs check.

4 Claim your baggage from the designated carousel. Double check

all your luggage and tags.

If your final destination is another city/state and you are boarding

5 a domestic flight, inquire with the flight attendant (prior to
disembarkation) if you would need to get your luggage. You may
then check-in with your next carrier.

19
 Remember:
• Gather and complete all travel and settlement documents weeks before
departure. Some document requests may take time.
• Be wary of bringing items for other people unless you have personally seen
its contents being packed.
• Be sure to review airport and airline baggage allowance policy. Airlines
have different guidelines for allowable weight, size, and number of check-in
and hand carry baggage.
• Read and follow instructions at all times to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
Do not be afraid to ask questions from airport authorities when needed.

20
 2
on settlement-related concerns that most migrants like
you face within the first few months in the US. Major
changes brought about by migrating to a new country
Settlement
This chapter summarizes basic information and processes

can be overwhelming, so preparation is key. This chapter

only notes general knowledge on specific topics and will
not delve into state-specific information. As an immigrant,
the responsibility to do in-depth research still rests on you.
Outlined in this chapter are:

• Cultural Adaptation
• Becoming a Responsible Immigrant
• Getting Settled

Adjusting to
life in the US
21
 CULTURAL ADAPTATION

Living abroad means transitioning to a new environment that is, more often than
not, completely different from your own. This is exciting, but adjusting to these
differences in customs, values, and norms tends to be challenging, if not ultimately
difficult. Generally, newcomers trying to adapt to new surroundings struggle with a
phenomenon called “culture shock” and other socially related issues, which will be
explained here. Keep in mind that these phases are common and temporary, and
that adjusting to a new way of life takes time. This section discusses the following:

• Culture Shock
• Other Issues Faced by Newcomers

Culture Shock

Culture shock is “the process of initial adjustment to an unfamiliar environment. It

is a more or less sudden immersion into a nonspecific state of uncertainty where
individuals are not certain what is expected of them or what they can expect from
the persons around them.”3

The most common characteristics of culture shock are:

a. Feelings of isolation, helplessness, and sadness
b. Anxiety over separation from friends and family
c. Intense longing to be back home (homesickness)

Source: Study Abroad VERITAS Costa Rica

3. Pedersen, P. (1994). Experiencing Culture Shock. In P. Pedersen, The Five Stages

of Culture Shock: Critical Incidents Around the World (p. 1). Praeger

22
 d. Withdrawal from host country
e. Changes in eating and sleeping habits
f. Boredom/ refusal to go out
g. Easily frustrated and irritated with minor concerns

Stages 4

As you move abroad, you may experience emotional ups and downs until a more
realistic expectation is developed. Culture shock progresses in a series of stages
although each stage varies in length and degree, depending on the individual. Not all
people go through each stage nor do they experience the stages in a particular order.

Generally, the stages are: Honeymoon, Culture Shock, Adjustment, and Adaptation.

STAGES5 CHARACTERISTICS
• Tourist stage
First Honeymoon • Anticipation of new opportunities
• Constantly pleased by new things encountered
• Rejection stage
• Negative experiences start and problems escalate
• Differences between home and host
country are magnified
Second Culture Shock
• Self-doubt and alienation develops
• Misunderstandings emerge
• Experiences are shaped by stress, depression,
anxiety, tension, and confusion
• Recovery stage
• Increased ability to adjust to new cultural patterns
Third Adjustment • Impact of culture shock decreases
• Regain sense of appreciation and understanding
• Assimilation begins—familiarity with social customs
• Mastery stage
• Begin to solve problems and manage the new culture
Adaptation/
Fourth • Acceptance of differences and uniqueness
Adaption
in each culture
• Begin to feel at home in host country

4. Janssens, M. (2006). Intercultural interaction: A burden on international managers?

Journal of Organizational Behavior, 155–167
5. Culture Shock. (n.d.). Retrieved from InterNations Magazine: http://www.
internations.org/magazine/12-culture-shock

23
 Coping Strategies

To ease your transition into the US, it is best to find ways to cope with culture shock
that are suitable for you. One strategy may be to list activities in advance that will
aid you when you are feeling bad. An example of which is, “When I am bored, I will
go to the library”. This way, you are able to maintain a more positive attitude all
throughout.

Below are some suggestions that might help you go through the process with
less difficulty:
• Keep an open mind, be patient, and maintain a positive attitude. Embrace
the differences between your country and your new country.
• Learn more about your host country. Read news, guidebooks, magazines, etc.
• Improve your English skills to be able to communicate with ease.
• Build a support network and expand your social circle.
• Be involved and engaged. Join groups or volunteer in your community.
• Be healthy. Exercise and develop good eating and sleeping habits to
feel energized.
• Reach out to family and friends at home for additional support.
• Make friends with natives and other Filipinos to feel encouraged.
• Share experiences with others that are going through the same process.
• Set short-term goals that will keep you motivated and make you feel good.
• Keep yourself preoccupied with activities you are interested in.
• For students, consult with school counselors, if you deem it to be helpful.

Other Issues Faced by Newcomers

In addition to culture shock, migrants can be confronted with other issues that have
a more socio-cultural nature. Mostly, these experiences are shared by the whole
family. Like culture shock, mental and emotional preparation is vital in managing the
situation better. Here are some common issues, among others:

• Stereotypes. Naturally, people form biases and labels when little information
(about others) is available and awareness is low. Some stereotypes are more
serious/ harmful than others. Stereotypes range from merely forming false
impressions to unfair treatment and judgment of others.
• Discrimination. As in all countries, anyone can be an object of discrimination.
This can emanate due to your beliefs (may it be political, economic, or
religious) or simply due to your race, age, gender, etc. Discrimination may be
expressed subtly or explicitly, depending on the situation.

24
 • Inter-generational conflicts. Since most children settle more quickly than their
parents, several problems are presented inside the household. As children
become increasingly exposed to their new way of life, conflicting beliefs and
definitions of friendship, dating, marriage, gender roles, parenting styles,
and career choices emerge. Thus, most households experience difficulty
between adapting to the new culture and maintaining their culture of origin.
• Economic Status. Changes in economic status happen when the migrant’s
qualifications are not recognized and their lack of experience makes them
unsuitable to practice their profession, forcing them to take on a completely
unrelated job.

Remember:
• Keep an open mind and a positive attitude. Avoid making unnecessary criticisms
and comparisons between your home and the US.
• Give yourself time to adjust and don’t be too hard on yourself as you integrate.
Each person adjusts at their own pace. Don’t compare yourself with others.
• Avail yourself of professional help, if necessary. Numerous services are available
for migrants (see section Getting Help). Remember that it is okay to ask for help.

BECOMING A RESPONSIBLE
IMMIGRANT

As an immigrant in the US, you are expected to familiarize yourself with your
responsibilities and obligations. Equally, you are granted rights and privileges that
you may enjoy. To maintain your permanent resident status and eventually earn
citizenship if you so desire, adherence to the requirements is essential. This section
discusses the following:

• Rights and Responsibilities of a Permanent Resident

• US Government-Issued Identification

25
 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PERMANENT RESIDENT

USCIS is your go-to government agency for immigration-related concerns and

questions. The USCIS website (www.uscis.gov) is a useful tool that you may consult
for specific, up to date information, particularly on your role as a permanent resident.

Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)6

Otherwise known as Green Card, Permanent Resident Cards are issued by the USCIS
as proof that you are legally authorized to live and work in the US. There are several
ways on gaining a permanent resident status; one such way is through sponsorship
by a family member. Many of you who have been sponsored by family members
already living in the US will be travelling with a green card. For those who have yet
to get their green card, you may visit http://www.uscis.gov/greencard for more
information on how to apply.

Contents
• Card Holder’s Name
• Photo
• Fingerprint
• Alien/USCIS number
• Birth Date
• Card Expiration Date (circled on the front side)

6. Green Card. (n.d.). Retrieved from US Citizenship and Immigration Services:

http://www.uscis.gov/greencard

26
 • Card/Document Number
• Other Security Features
Uses of Green Card
• To prove employment eligibility
• To apply for a Social Security Card
• To apply for a state-issued driver’s license
Validity
• Validity of 10 years
• Renew your green card before expiration. You may renew
your green card six months prior to expiration.

Replacing/Renewing Green Cards

For more information on renewing and replacing your green card, you may visit
http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted for detailed step
by step instructions. Renewing and replacing lost/stolen green cards can now be
done online. Starting December 23, 2016, the electronic filing fee of the I-90 Form
(Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) is USD 540 (USD 455 filing fee and
USD 85 for biometric services fee).

Conditional Permanent Residents

A conditional permanent resident status is granted to individuals married to an

American citizen whose marriage was less than two years when permanent residence
status was given.

27
 Validity
• Validity of green card is two years for conditional residents.
• Conditional cards cannot be renewed.
• To maintain permanent resident status, you must file a petition to
remove the conditions of your residency 90 days before expiration.

Similarly, to get more information on the eligibility criteria and for detailed
instructions on how to file your I-751 Form (Petition to Remove the Conditions of
Residence) you may access the USCIS website.

Remember:
• The term permanent resident is used interchangeably with immigrant, green card
holder, and resident alien.
• You MUST carry your green card at all times (for ages 18 and above).
• Green cards are valid for readmission to the US for trips outside the US not longer
than one year. If the trip is longer than one year, a reentry permit is required.
• For conditional residents, failure to file a petition will lead to the cancellation of
your permanent residence status.

General Rights and Responsibilities7

Listed below are general rights and responsibilities of any permanent resident.
Specific rights and responsibilities are broken down and explained in detail in
subsequent sections.

As a permanent resident, you have the RIGHT to:

• Live and work permanently anywhere in the US
• Own property in the US
• Apply for a driver’s license in your state or territory

7. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,

Office of Citizenship, Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants,
Washington, DC, 2007, Revised Edition

28
 • Leave and return to the US under certain conditions (explained below)
• Attend public school and college
• Join certain branches of the US Armed Forces
• Purchase or own a firearm (if allowed by state)
• Apply to become a US citizen once you are eligible
• Get Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare
benefits, if you are eligible
• Request visas for your husband or wife and unmarried children to live
in the US
• Be protected by all laws of the US, your state of residence, and local
jurisdictions

As a permanent resident, it is your RESPONSIBILITY to:

• Obey all federal, state, and local laws
• Pay federal, state, and local income tax
• Report income to the US Internal Revenue Service and state taxing
authorities
• Maintain your immigration status
• Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all times
• Inform DHS of change in address within 10 days of each time you move
• Register with Selective Service System (required) if you are male between
ages 18 to 25 or before 26
• Support the democratic form of government and not try to change
government through illegal means

Filing and Paying of Income Tax8

One major obligation you have as a permanent resident is to meet your tax
obligations, which include the filing and payment of your federal income tax and
state income tax. These are filed separately. The government agency mandated to
administer tax collection is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Depending on your
category, tax collection per individual varies. Listed on the next page is a list of basic
tax filing information. You are advised to consult the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for a
complete guide on how to go about the process particularly during tax season.

8. File Your Taxes. (n.d.). Retrieved from USA.gov: http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/

Money/Taxes.shtml

29
 Federal Income Tax9

Source Withholding tax (salary deductions) and tax payments

Agency Involved IRS
Form 1040EZ
Commonly Used Tax
Form 1040A
Forms (Individual)
Form 1040
Electronic Filing
Ways to File your Tax
By mail (print forms and publications from website)

Deadline of Filing Every April 15th of the year (for the previous year)
Debit or Credit Card
Ways to Pay your Tax Electronic Fund Transfer
Check or Money Order

Taxpayer Assistance Centers (face to face tax assistance) are

Where to Get Help available in your state. To access the location of the centers, you
may visit http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1

State Tax10

Sales tax, income taxes, salary deductions, and

Source
property taxes (homeowners)
Amount / Deadline Varies per state
You may visit the Federation of Tax Administrators website
Where to Get Help
http://www.taxadmin.org for tax forms and other options.

Leaving and Entering the United States as a Permanent Resident11

As a permanent resident, you are allowed to leave and re-enter the US multiple times
as long as you do not stay outside the US for one year or more. Note however that
although brief travels abroad does not affect your permanent resident status, if the

9. Filing Your Taxes. (n.d.). Retrieved from Internal Revenue Services:

http://www.irs.gov/Filing
10. Filing Your Taxes. (n.d.). Retrieved from Internal Revenue Services:
http://www.irs.gov/Filing
11. International Travel as Permanent Resident. (n.d.). Retrieved from US Citizenship
and Immigration Services: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/
international-travel-a-permanent-resident

30
USCIS believes that you do not intend to make US your permanent residence even
for trips of less than one year, this may be considered as an abandonment of your
status (see more on Maintaining your Permanent Residence). Permanent residents
and conditional residents who wish to travel outside the US for a year or more is
required to apply for a Re-Entry Permit.

Purpose of Re-Entry Permit

• Allows you to be admitted back to the US even without a returning resident visa
from the US Embassy or consulate
• Establishes that you did not abandon your permanent resident status

Steps to Obtain a Re-Entry Permit12

• File Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) at USCIS ideally six
months (minimum) prior to your trip. You must be physically present in the
US during application

US Immigration Re-entry Permit

• USCIS will provide you a schedule of when to appear at the Application

Support Center
• On the scheduled date, provide application form and your biometrics at the
Application Support Center. Turn over valid re-entry permits before applying
for a new one. Indicate in the application if the permit was merely lost, stolen,
or destroyed

12. I am a Permanent Resident, How Do I Get a Re-Entry Permit? (2013, October).

Retrieved from US Citizenship and Immigration Services: https://www.uscis.gov/i-131
or file:///C:/Users/CFO/Downloads/i-131%20(3).pdf

31
 • Upon request, USCIS can send the permit at a specific US Embassy, Consulate, or
DHS office overseas for pick-up
• Upon arrival in the US, you must present your valid re-entry permit to the US
Customs and Border Protection Officer at your port of entry

Validity
• Re-entry permits are valid for two years and cannot be extended
• For conditional residents, validity of re-entry permit is two years or the date
when the petitioner needs to file a petition to remove conditions of residency,
whichever date comes first

Remember:
• A re-entry permit, in and of itself, does not guarantee entry to the US. Your
admissibility must first be established.
• Failure to apply for a re-entry permit may be considered as an abandonment of
your permanent resident status.

Maintaining your Permanent Residence13

The USCIS has outlined several instances where you may be found to have abandoned
your permanent resident status:

• If you move to another country with the intention to live there permanently
• If you remain outside of the United States for more than one year without
obtaining a re-entry permit or returning resident visa. However, in determining
whether your status has been abandoned, any length of absence from the

13. Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage. (n.d.).

Retrieved from US Citizenship and Immigration Services: http://www.uscis.gov/green-
card/after-green-card-granted/conditional-permanent-residence/remove-conditions-
permanent-residence-based-marriage

32
 United States may be considered, even if less than one year
• If you remain outside of the United States for more than two years after issuance
of a re-entry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However, in
determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence
from the United States may be considered, even if less than one year
• If you fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the United States for
any period
• If you declare yourself a “non-immigrant” on your tax returns

If you are found to have abandoned your status, you may challenge the determination
in Immigration Court.

How do I become a US Citizen?

Before an individual applies for naturalization, he or she must meet a few requirements.
Depending on the individual’s situation, there are different requirements that may
apply. General requirements for naturalization are below.

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for
Naturalization.
• Be a permanent resident (have a “Green Card”) for at least 5 years.
• Show that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district
where you apply.
• Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years
immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400 (see next page).
• Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30
months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Have a basic understanding of US history and government (civics).
• Be a person of good moral character.
• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the US Constitution.

33
 Form N-400

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/educators/naturalization-information

34
How Can I Sponsor a Relative?

A citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States may sponsor/petition

his/her relative/s to the US.

If you are a US citizen, you may sponsor/petition for:

• Your spouse;
• Your unmarried children under 21 years of age;
• Your unmarried sons or daughters 21 years of age or older;
• Your married sons or daughters of any age;
• Your brothers or sisters (you must be 21 years of age or older);
and
• Your mother or father (you must be 21 years of age or older).

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you may sponsor/
petition for:
• Your spouse;
• Your unmarried child under 21 years of age; and
• Your unmarried son or daughter 21 years of age or older.

Application Process

To obtain a green card for your family member, you must:

• File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.

• Provide proof of your status to demonstrate that you are a permanent
resident.
• Submit evidence of the qualifying relationship such as a birth certificate,
marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc. See the form instructions for specific
documents required.
• Submit proof of any legal name change for you or your family member (the
beneficiary).

See the instructions for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for detailed
instructions.14

14. How Can I Sponsor an Alien Relative. Retrieved from US Citizenship and
Immigration Services (n.d.) https://www.uscis.gov/i-130

35
 Participating in the Selective Service System15

Eligibility and Exemptions

Part of your obligation as a permanent resident is agreeing to participate in the US

Military Service. You may visit the Selective Service System (http://www.sss.gov) for
a more comprehensive list of those who need to register and those exempted from
it during induction. There are several exemptions for immigrants and dual nationals
that fall under a specific category.

Generally, however, all male individuals between the ages of 18 to 25 are required
by law to register in the service. US non-citizens, including legal permanent residents
or dual nationals (regardless where they reside) are included in this pre-requisite.

For more information and to register online, you may visit the SSS website
https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx.

Process

In times of crisis, a random draft lottery will be held based on your lottery number and
year of birth. Therefore, not all registered individuals will be automatically inducted
in the military. Those chosen in the draft would undergo medical examination

15. Selective Service System. (2014, March 25). Who Must Register. Retrieved March
2014, from Selective Service System: http://www.sss.gov/fswho.htm

36
(mental, physical, and moral fitness) before being inducted, deferred, or exempted
into the Armed Forces.

Reporting Change of Address in the US16

Similarly, it is your responsibility as an immigrant to report your change of address

to USCIS. Depending on pending cases and other considerations, you may have to
inform the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the US Department of State,
and/or the US Department of Labor as well.

Since the procedures and guidelines for each government agency differs, it is best
to consult the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website (https://www.dhs.
gov/federal-change-address-procedures) to verify which category you fall under
and to which agency you should report your change of address.

Generally, in reporting your change of address to USCIS, you must:

• File a duly completed AR-11 Form (Change of Address) to USCIS within
ten (10) days.
• Submit the AR-11 Form either through an online application
(https://egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do) or by mail.

Remember:
• It is advisable to keep copies of correspondences sent to USCIS (through certified,
registered, or return mail) for documentation purposes.
• Failure to notify USCIS of your change of address within ten (10) days is a
misdemeanor crime.
• Register your name and address with the local postal office and place your name in
your mailbox to ensure mail sent by USCIS to you will be delivered.

16. Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). Federal Change of Address Procedures.

Retrieved from Department of Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/federal-
change-address-procedures

37
 US GOVERNMENT-ISSUED IDENTIFICATION

The US government issues several forms of identification. These IDs are beneficial
in 1) availing other government services, 2) establishing your identity, and 3) for
other transactions such as opening a bank account. Listed below are three common
government issued IDs:

Social Security Number and Card17

As a permanent resident, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can grant you a
social security number and card.

Purpose
• To report your wages to the government
• To determine your Social Security benefits
• To receive some government services

The Social Security Number is also used as a general identification number for issues
not directly related to Social Security.

Ways/Steps
• You may apply for a social security number with your immigrant visa application
(while still in the Philippines). See https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/.

17. Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens. (2013, August ). Retrieved from Social
Security Administration: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf

38
 • You may also visit a Social Security office in the US. You must:
• Show DHS your immigration status and papers indicating you can
legally work in the US.
• Duly complete an SS-5 Form (Application for a Social Security Card).
• Provide two original documentary proof showing your identity, permit
to work in the US, and age. Bring two separate documents.
Examples of documents you may present:
• Form I-551 (Immigrant Visa)
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
• Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Card)
• Original Copy of your Birth Certificate

Once the application is complete, the SSA will mail your social security number
and card.

Remember:
• If you intend to apply for a social security number while in the US, wait 10 days after
arrival to allow SSA ample time to verify all DHS-related documents. However, do not
wait longer than necessary, as you will need the SSN to register for other services.
• All documents must be original and should be certified by the issuing agency.
• To protect yourself from identity theft, keep your Social Security card safe and
share your number only with trustworthy organizations.

Driver’s License18

Most people in the US use state-issued driver’s licenses as their main identity card.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues driver’s licenses. Since each state
has its own rules and regulations when it comes to applying for a driver’s license, it
is best to visit state-specific DMV websites. If you want to register a car, you might be
required to present a US driver’s license. If you plan to eventually drive in the US, it
might be a good idea to get the driver’s license soon after you arrive, as it will very
much help you in its function as an identification card.

18. Driver’s License/Photo ID. (n.d.). Retrieved from Immihelp:

http://www.immihelp.com/newcomer/getting-drivers-license-photo-id.html

39
 Purpose
• Allows you to drive a car anywhere in the US or Canada
• Serves as a form of identification

Some General Information

• Minimum driving age varies by state from age 14 to 18
• Depending on the state, you may be required to provide either a Social
Security Number or an Individual Tax Identification Number

Steps

Study. Download the DMV Driver’s Manual and familiarize yourself

1 with the road system.

Take the written test at the DMV. Pass the test to get your Learner’s
2 Permit.

Take driving lessons, if necessary. The Learner’s Permit only allows

3 you to drive in the presence of a person with a driver’s license.

Take the road test. Your driving and parking skills, as well as your
4 familiarity with the traffic regulations will be evaluated. Usually, you
have to take the road test with your own private car or a rental car.
The car must have a hand-parking brake. You are required to show
proof that the car has sufficient insurance.

Provide other requirements. Provide necessary documents, take an

5 eye exam, have your picture taken, and pay the corresponding fee.

40
 Claim your driver’s license. Depending on the state, your driver’s
6 license may either be released immediately or will be sent to you
via mail.

Using Philippine License Abroad

The Philippine Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced that the Philippine
Driver’s License is valid for driving abroad for a duration of three months. Permanent
residents in the US must apply for a state-specific driver’s license within three months
after arrival. Regulations on the duration of the validity of your Philippine license
may vary by state. Contact the state DMV for the driving rules in your specific state,
specifically if the state requires an International Driving Permit which you would have
to obtain before departure.

Remember:
• Be sure to check with the DMV in your state for more detailed instructions,
rules, and regulations. Each state has its own rules.
• Some states will recognize your Philippine driver’s license for a specific
duration.
• Bring with you at least one valid form of identification such as your Green
Card, Social Security Card, etc. and other requirements asked of you.

State-Issued Identification Cards19

If you do not intend to get a driver’s license, you should get another state-issued
identification card. Each state has a different procedure for applying for a State ID. As
for the driver’s license, the DMV is the designated government agency that issues the
state ID. A person of any age can be issued a State ID.

Types
• Regular ID: six years validity (see “A“ next page)
• Senior Citizen ID (must be 62 years or older): valid for 10 years
(see “B“ next page)

19. Driver License and Identification Card Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from California
Department of Motor Vehicles: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#idcard

41
 A.

B.

Steps
• Visit the DMV office in your state. Schedule an appointment, if necessary.
• In the DMV:
• Submit DL-44 Form (Identification Card Application)
• Provide your thumb print and social security number
• Have your picture taken
• Confirm your personal information, such as address, etc.
• Pay the application fee (this varies by state). There is no application fee for
a senior citizen ID.

For more information on how and where to apply, you may visit the DMV website
(http://www.dmv.org/id-cards.php). Listed in the website are information on the
application process as well as corresponding fees per state.

42
Remember:
• A valid identification card issued by a US authority is very often preferred over
a foreign ID. Obtaining a driver’s license or another state ID soon after you
arrive may be very helpful for your subsequent settlement in the US (e.g. for
opening a bank account).
• State IDs are for identification purposes ONLY and cannot be used as an
alternative to a Driver’s License.
• Double check all information (particularly your address) before leaving the
DMV. Inform the DMV representative of any need for correction.
• IDs will be mailed within 60 days. Check the status of your ID if you have not
received it within 60 days.
• Keep your receipt and old ID card (if any).

GETTING SETTLED

Rebuilding your life in the US can be a daunting task. Faced with multiple choices
to make, it is important to read available literature in order to make well-informed
decisions. Identifying the steps you have to accomplish will also give you added
confidence. Below is a list of undertakings to help you get started. This section
discusses the following:

• Opening a Bank Account

• Finding a Place to Live (Housing)
• Getting Around (Transportation)
• Applying for Health Insurance
• Buying a Mobile Phone and Plan
• Getting your Foreign Qualifications Accredited
• Understanding the Educational System
• Upgrading your Language Skills
• Getting Help

43
 Opening a Bank Account

One of your first steps in the US should be

opening a US bank account. Having an account
allows you to manage your day-to-day financial
transactions, which may involve buying daily
necessities, or renting or purchasing a new
home. Moreover, with an account, you are a step
closer to fully realizing your financial goals—may
it be short, mid-, or long term.

Below are the general steps to be taken in opening an account:

Do your research. Since banks come in various types and

1 sizes and offer a diverse range of services and fees, it is
best to do research on which bank is suitable to your goals,
needs, and lifestyle. You may want to ask around, read
online, or speak directly to a bank representative to have
your questions answered.

Know more about your prospective bank. Consult the

2 website of your preferred bank or call a bank representative
for the complete requirements. Factor in considerations
such as banking hours, distance, fees, interest rates, etc.
Ask about ATM related bank services like location, customer
protection, fees, withdrawing limit, etc. For you it might be
of particular importance what the fees are for international
transactions to or from the Philippines. Some banks have
special relationships with foreign banks that reduce fees
for international transactions—this will be listed on their
websites.

Determine what type of account you want. Familiarize

3 yourself with the various types of accounts and know
what suits your needs best. The two common kinds of
bank accounts are: Savings Account and Checking Account.
Compare your options.

44
 Gather the requirements. Make sure you have the complete
4 requirements with you before heading to the bank. Each financial
institution has its own requirements, but the standard requirement
includes:

• Social Security Number

• Identification Card with Photo (Passport, Driver’s License, etc.)
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (for some banks)

Note: Banks sometimes require an additional deposit. Many banks

also wave the fees if you keep a minimum balance in the account.
Consult your bank for the exact amount.

Head to the bank. Present additional documents and fill out the
5 provided forms. Schedule an appointment, if necessary. Check with
the bank for online applications.

Note: For joint bank accounts, consult with the bank if both signatories
need to be present when opening the account.

Remember:
• Prepare your questions in advance and do not hesitate to ask them.
• Consult with a bank representative who can walk you through the various
products, offers, and services available.
• Decide on what is convenient for you—telephone, mobile, or online banking.
• Do not sign up for a bank account without comparing several options.
• Do not sign the terms and agreements unless you have read and understood
the document.

Finding a Place to Live (Housing)

The decision whether to rent or buy a home is greatly influenced by your personal
consideration, for instance your preferences, suitability, and financial situation.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website (https://www.

usa.gov/federal-agencies/u-s-department-of-housing-and-urban-development)

45
 provides an exhaustive list of tools that can guide you in your decision. You will see
vast number of services, checklists, and information by state.

The first decision to make is whether buying a home or renting is the best option for
you. Below is a guide to help you evaluate your options.20

Buying Renting
If you plan to stay in one location If you plan to move around and don’t want
to be tied in one location
If you have funds for a down payment and If you don’t have the funds for a down
closing costs payment and closing costs
If you can afford the maintenance costs of If you can’t afford the potential maintenance
owning (repairs, lawn care, etc.) costs of owning (repairs, lawn care, etc.)
If you want to build equity over the long- If you are saving for the future
term
If you want the potential tax advantages

Buying a Home

Buying a house is a good long-term investment. It offers stability and the value of your
house might appreciate over time. If you are ready for this financial commitment,
you will see below steps you can take in purchasing a home:

Steps21

Figure out how much you can afford. This will depend on your
1 income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, down payment, and
interest rate.

Know your rights. Research on housing related laws such as Fair

2 Housing, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, among others.
For more information on Fair Housing Laws and other Presidential
Executive Orders on Housing, you may visit https://www.hud.gov/
program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_
overview

20. Decide what’s right—rent or buy? (n.d.). Retrieved from FannieMae KnowYour Options:
http://knowyouroptions.com/rent/overview/decide-whats-right-rent-or-buy
21. Buying A Home . (n.d.). Retrieved from USA.gov: https://www.usa.gov/buying-home

46
 Shop for a loan. Shop, compare, and negotiate your options to get
3 the most suitable option for you. However, especially shortly after
arrival, it might be difficult for you to get a loan or at least get a loan
at favorable conditions as you have not yet built your credit score.

Learn about home buying programs. Research on home buying

4 programs in your state. Information is provided per state at http://
www.hud.gov/buying/localbuying.cfm and the HUD Neighbor Next
Door Program.

Shop for a home. Decide among family members the most important
5 priorities—from interiors of the house to the area/community you
want to live in. Bring a checklist with you when visiting homes for
easy comparison. The checklist should account for the insides of
the home, neighborhood, distance and convenience from accessing
services such as church, supermarket, hospital, public transport, etc.

6 Make an offer. Have a family discussion.

Get a home inspection. Similarly, bring with you a list of questions

7 that you would ask the home inspector.

Sign papers. Read and understand everything before you agree to

8 the terms and sign.

Renting a Home or an Apartment22

Some migrants prefer renting in the first few months or years after arriving due to:
1) budgetary constraints,
2) to familiarize themselves with the community/area first, and
3) some apartments are already furnished.

Lease contracts vary by length. However, you might have to pay a higher rent if your
lease length is less than 12 months. Usually you can terminate your contract before
the end of the term if you find a new tenant.

22. Decide what’s right—rent or buy? (n.d.). Retrieved from FannieMae KnowYourOptions:
http://knowyouroptions.com/rent/overview/decide-whats-right-rent-or-buy

47
 Steps23

Determine your priorities. Consider the cost and map out your
1 budget to see what your financial situation can accommodate. List
your top concerns such as preferred number of rooms, amount of
space needed, etc.

Find a rental property. You may search online, check local

2 newspapers, consult apartment and home locator services, ask
around, or hire the services of a real estate agent or broker. Items to
consider during your search are:

• Fees and terms (payment schedule, additional payments, etc.)

• Inclusions (amenities, parking space, appliances, etc.)
• Convenience (distance of services—supermarket, school,
hospital, etc.)
• Safety (security of the neighborhood, crime rate, police
presence, etc.)
• Utilities (service providers of internet, water, electricity, etc.)
• Others (house/apartment rules, pets, etc.)

Submit an application. Fill out the rental application and pay the
3 corresponding fee. Generally, you will have to provide proof of
income, proof of identity (social security card, driver’s license, etc.)
and references. You may also have to pay a deposit equal to one or
two months’ rent.

Sign a lease. Once your application has been verified by your

4 landlord, you will be asked to sign a lease. Only sign the agreement if
you are satisfied with the terms and conditions.

23. Rental Process. (n.d.). Retrieved from FannieMae KnowYourOptions: https://www.

knowyouroptions.com/rent-overview/rental-process

48
EXAMPLES WEBSITES ON HOUSING LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
RENTAL LISTINGS IN YOUR AREA
Realtor.com (www.realtor.com)
Trulia (www.trulia.com) Apartments.com (www.apartments.com)
Zillow (www.zillow.com) ForRent (www.forrent.com)
RentJungle (www.rentjungle.com)
Hotpads (www.hotpads.com)
Apartable (www.apartable.com)
StreetEasy (www.streeteasy.com)
Padmapper (www.padmapper.com)
Naked Apartments (www.nakedapartments.com)
Socialisting (www.socialisting.com)

Remember:
• Seek advice from trusted family, friends, or natives in the area.
• Verify with your state your rights and responsibilities as a home owner or a
tenant. This includes regulations on home insurance.
• Make sure you have complete, original documents.
• Do not fall into a financial trap. Study carefully what you and your family can
commit to. Make sure to factor in unforeseen circumstances and costs.

Getting Around (Transportation)

There are several modes of transportation in the US—land, air, and sea. For intra-
city travels, you are equally offered numerous choices. It is highly recommended
that you acquaint yourself with the transport routes in your city and the map of the
streets in your area to easily locate the nearest hospital, police station, supermarket,
pharmacy, community center, etc.

Public transport is usually well developed in the centers of bigger cities but options
may be limited in the suburbs or in the countryside. If you are dependent on public
transport, inform yourself by looking at the available options before you choose a
place to stay.

49
 Mode General Tips
Trains/ • Purchase a daily or monthly pass. Monthly passes are cheaper and will save
Subway you time.
• Long distance trains are also available for inter-state travels. Decide if you
prefer either to board a coach or a sleeping car.
Buses 24 • Bus routes (terminals and bus stops) and schedules are publicly available via
the company’s website. Check online or published materials.
• Bus routes are coded by both color and number.
• Purchase daily bus ticket from the bus driver. Local buses do not have
conductors. Bring exact fare. Drivers do not give change.
• On some local buses, you will simply drop the fare into a cash-box beside
the driver’s side.
• There are also buses available for inter-state destinations.
Taxi/Cab 25 • Call a cab company to set a schedule. Taxis can also be booked in advance.
Typically, there are no taxi stands.
• Provide your location, destination, and time you want to be picked up to the
dispatcher. The dispatcher, in return, will provide you an estimated total fare.
• There are also many smartphone applications to call or text cabs.
Land

• Inform the operator if you need a bigger car for your luggage.
• Taxi meter starts at the time you enter the cab.
• Bring small denominations with you, in case the driver does not have a
change. Many cabs also now have credit card machines.
• You may ask for a receipt from the taxi driver.
• It is customary to tip cab drivers an additional 10-20% of the cab fare.
Private • In the US, cars drive on the right-side of the road.
Vehicle 26 • Many roads are monitored by a video camera. Follow traffic rules and speed
limits.
• If a police officer asks you to stop the car (comes up behind you with flashing
lights), stop the car at the right side of the road and wait inside. NEVER get
out of the car, the officer might view this as a sign of aggression. When you
feel unsafe stopping, you may call the police from a mobile phone and inform
them that you will be driving to the nearest police station.
• Children under 12 years old should be seated at the back, wearing a seat
belt. A car seat is required for infants and toddlers.
• You may consider a carpool setup with your colleagues to save on gas. You
may use the special carpool lane during rush hour.

24. Getting Around: Transportation in the USA. (n.d.). Retrieved from RapidImmigration.
com: http://www.rapidimmigration.com/1_eng_coming_transportation.html
25. Public Transport. (n.d.). Retrieved from Path2USA:
http://www.path2usa.com/public-transport
26. Facts About USA. (n.d.). Retrieved from Path2USA:
http://www.path2usa.com/facts-about-usa

50
 Walking/ • Walk or take a bike for short distance destinations.
Biking • Press the buttons on the signal post and wait for the Walk Signal to light
before crossing.
• You are not allowed to walk or bike on highways.
• You may book a flight for domestic travels. There are multiple airports in the different parts
Air

of the US. This may save you time.

• Book your trip in advance and check for promotions to get cheaper tickets.
• Although water transport is mostly for commerce (freights), there are also passenger
Sea

service boats. You may either choose to travel by cruise ships or ferries, depending on your
destination.

Remember:
• Familiarize yourself with streets and plan your routes in advance. Aside from
published maps, you may also use Google maps to help you locate your destination.
Google maps can suggest several routes, biking and walking terrain, as well as
traffic updates.
• Gas stations are typically self-service, so you need to fill up the tank yourself.
Check for signs indicating the service status.

Applying for Health Insurance

Health insurance is compulsory.

With the Patient Protection Act and Affordable Care Act of 2010, otherwise known as
Obamacare, health insurance in the US is now compulsory.

As a legal immigrant, you will be able to enjoy the benefits extended to you by this
law. However, failure to apply for a health insurance will result to a fine or a fee.27

You may visit www.healthcare.gov for further reading and to sign up for a health
plan. Some key information from this site is included below.

27. What if someone weren’t enrolled in qualifying health coverage for all or part of
2018. Retrieved from Healthcare.com: https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/qualifying-
health-coverage/; No health insurance, see if you’ll owe a fee: https://www.healthcare.
gov/fees/

51
 There are many ways to learn more and sign up. You can use the following resources:

• Use the www.healthcare.gov website yourself. Your state may also have its own
marketplace website, but if so it will be linked with this one.
• Find someone to help you find health insurance for free through https://
localhelp.healthcare.gov/. This website lists phone numbers and addresses for
groups that can help you in your region, and may offer support in languages
other than English.
• Call the national hotline 1‑800‑318‑2596 to get help in languages other
than English.

Other resources:

• You may be interested in the summary documents from the National

Immigration Law center on the Affordable Care Act (http://www.nilc.org/
ACAfacts.html) that help summarize criteria for participating in the market
(“lawfully present”) and frequently asked questions about health insurance for
mixed-status families.
• You can also consider summarization tools like Health Sherpa,28 which allow
you to compare prices and your total expected payments in best and worst case
health scenarios in various locations.

Can you get free health insurance or subsidies to help you buy insurance?

You may already be eligible for free or subsidized health insurance:

• If you already have a job in the US, your employer might pay for your health
insurance as part of your fringe benefits.
• You may be eligible to participate for free in Medicaid or another government
health insurance program. The key programs are provided below.
• You may be eligible for subsidies to help you buy health insurance, which vary
based on your income and the number of people in your household.

A summary of Medicaid eligibility requirements is shown in the chart below or if you

shop for coverage through the healthcare.gov website or an official navigator, the
subsidies and government-sponsored options will be calculated for you.

28. Find Your Health Plan Now. (n.d.). Retrieved from HealthSherpa:
https://www.healthsherpa.com/

52
 Number of people in your household

1 2 3 4 5 6
You may qualify for lower premiums
Private Marketplace health plans

on a Marketplace insurance plan if

$126,360
$110,280
$15,510-

$19,530-

$23,550-

$27,570-

$31,590-
$11,490-
$45,960

$62,040

$78,120

$94,200
your early income is between...

See next row if your income is at

the lower end of this range.

You may qualify for lower

premiums AND lower out-of-pocket

$15,510-

$19,530-

$23,550-

$27,570-

$31,590-
$11,490-
$28,725

$38,775

$48,825

$58,875

$68,925

$78,975
costs for Marketplace insurance if
your yearly income is between...

If your state is expanding Medicaid

$16,105

$21,707

$27,310

$32,913

$38,516

$44,119
in 2014: You may qualify for
Medicaid Coverage

Medicaid coverage if your yearly

income is below...

If your state isn’t expanding

$15,510

$19,530

$23,550

$27,570

$31,590
Medicaid: You may not qualify for
$11,490

any Marketplace savings program

if your yearly income is below...

Source: HealthCare.gov

Free health insurance you may be eligible for through government programs

Medicaid
• A state-administered health insurance program for low-income families
and children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and in
some states, other adults.
• Eligibility requirements vary state by state. You may first want to find out
if your state is expanding Medicaid (this means making Medicaid available
for everyone up to 138% of the federal poverty line) and learn what that
means for you.

53
 • If your state is expanding Medicaid, use the below chart to see what you
may qualify for based on your income and family size.

Medicare
• A Federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older and
certain younger people with disabilities.
• It also covers people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney
failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

• Provides health coverage to low income children.
• In some states, provide coverage to pregnant women (who earn too much
to qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford private insurance).

Types of health insurance plans available for purchase or through employers

There are several insurance plans available in the market. The most common types of
managed care plans will be discussed below.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plan

• You must get your care and services from doctors, other health care
providers, or hospital in the plan’s network except for emergency care, out-
of-area urgent care, or out-of-area dialysis.
• Prescription drugs (if stated in your plan) are covered.
• You must choose a primary care doctor in HMO plans.
• You may need referral (in most cases) beforehand to see a specialist.
• If you get healthcare outside the plan’s network, you will have to pay more
or even all of the cost.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plan

• You can get your health care from any doctor, provider, or hospital.
However, you pay more if you use services outside the network; but you
pay less if you use services in the plan’s network.
• Prescription drugs (if stated in your plan) are covered.
• You don’t need to choose a primary care doctor.
• You may not need referrals (in most cases) to see a specialist.

54
Other key terms:29

Key Terms Definition

Patient is in a life-threatening condition and access to health-

Emergency Care
care is critical for your life.
A federal or state certified person who can work with you for
free to help you find insurance, if you would like help with this.
Navigator
To find them visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/ or call the
national multi-lingual number at 1-800‑318‑2596.
Patient is in immediate need of medical attention but not in a
Urgent Care
life threatening situation.
For private health insurance plans, you have to make a pay-
Premium ment every month or quarter to stay enrolled. This payment is
called a premium.
Flat fee you pay the doctor for every visitor procedure done.
Copayment Payment is per visit (or per refill of a prescription, etc.) and
could be paid by cash or credit card.
The patient and the insurance company both cover/pay for the
Coinsurance
expenses incurred. This is done through a percentage basis.
Part of the claim not paid by the insurance company. Some-
times your contribution as part of coinsurance will decrease
Deductible
after you have paid a certain amount out of pocket, called the
“deductible.”

Buying a Mobile Phone and Plan

As the options of phone and mobile plans available in the market increases, the
decision on which to purchase becomes more difficult. Below is a general guide on
purchasing a phone.

Steps30

Determine your priorities and top considerations. Have a list of

1 items that you consider essential and determine which services you
need most. Examples include:

29. Glossary. (n.d.). Retrieved from Medicare.gov: http://www.medicare.gov/

glossary/c.html
30. Cellular Services Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved from Path2USA: http://www.
path2usa.com/tips-for-choosing-a-cell-phone-plan/

55
 Phone Plan
Cost, Usability, and Price of calls and text/SMS messages
Features (incoming and outgoing)
Battery Life Data Plan/Web browsing capabilities
Voice quality International phone calls

Research and compare deals. You will realize some phones only work
2 exclusively with a specific carrier/network. This will therefore limit
your options if you have a desired phone or carrier. Common service
providers are: Verizon, Sprint-Nextel, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Decide whether you have a pre-paid or contract plan. Weigh the

3 advantages and disadvantages of both plans. If you are still undecided,
you may want to start with a pre-paid plan to test the service before
you commit to a contract plan. You can always upgrade afterwards.
Inquire also about local, regional, and national plans.

Remember:
• Some providers offer fixed-term contracts. If you terminate such a contract early,
you may pay a fee. Other providers offer the option to terminate the contract
every month.
• While many providers will offer you new phones at a relatively low down payment,
you usually have to pay higher fees during the duration of the contract. Furthermore,
phones may exclusively work with this specific provider and may make it difficult
for you to switch. It may therefore pay off to buy a phone independently of your
contract. You should definitely compare the various options.

Getting Your Foreign Qualifications Accredited

In order to practice your profession in the US, you must ensure that you fulfill certain
requirements and that your qualifications from your home country have been
accredited. For many migrants this is a big challenge and they may end up working in
a job that is below their actual qualifications. It is advisable that you start the process
of getting your qualifications accredited as early as possible (see Employment section
for more information)

56
Understanding the Educational System

Education is of primary importance to the US. In fact, children are required to attend
school from age six until they reach 18 years old. Thus, the US government subsidizes
public schools to allow children to go to school free from charge.

If you, however, opt to enroll your child to a private school, the tuition fee is relatively
expensive.

There are many private schools from which to choose; some schools are religiously
affiliated. Be sure to check with the private school of your choice for more information.

Similarly, the US observes what the Philippines recently adopted – the K+12 system.
Below are stages of education in the US: 31

Stages of Education
Pre-School (Nursery)
Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten
*An assessment will be taken to determine if your
child is fit to move to the 1st grade.
Elementary (1st to 5th Grade )
Middle School (6th to 8th Grade)
High School (9th to 12th Grade)
*Student should take the Standardized Achievement Test (SAT)
to get into college during 11th grade.
Undergraduate College and University
*Students should take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Test to get
into a graduate program the year before applying.
Graduate University

31. Education for Kids (K-12). (n.d.). Retrieved from Path2USA:

http://www.path2usa.com/education-for-kids-k-12

57
 For more information on the profiles of colleges/universities in your area, you may
visit the National Center for Education Statistics college navigator (http://nces.
ed.gov/collegenavigator/).

Other Available Sources 32

Daycare
Daycare services allow you to leave your toddlers (age minimum is three
months) while you are at work. Extended day care services allow you to leave
your child even at late hours. Fees depend on the daycare.

English as Second Language (ESL) Programs

Bilingual schools offer services that will help your child adjust to their schools by
helping them learn English. This is mostly targeted for immigrants who are not
native English speakers.

Vocational and College Prep Programs

It is common in the US for students to opt for vocational programs that will
allow them to practice their chosen career immediately after college. For those

32. Getting an Education in the USA. (n.d.). Retrieved from RapidImmigration.com :

http://www.rapidimmigration.com/1_eng_coming_education.html

58
who choose to go to college, they in turn, take college preparatory programs
that will include additional classes in advanced Math, English, Science, etc.

Home Schooling
If you decide to teach your children at home by yourself, you may check with the
school in your area if they offer home school programs. You are required by law
to use an accredited program and to be supervised by an accredited teacher.

Adult and Community Education

Similar to what is offered to the kids, adults may also avail of programs on
internet, ESL, sports, etc., through the schools in their area. This is often
inexpensive or even free.

Financial Aid
The DE-Federal Student Aid oversees government programs that provide
financial aids to those who cannot afford college. For more information on their
programs, one of which is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, you may
visit their website https://fafsa.ed.gov/.

Scholarships
You may also avail yourself of scholarships offered by your college if you are
eligible. The criterion is often extracurricular or academics related. Some schools
also allow you to do part time work so you may pay your share of the expenses.

Remember:
• School starts a few days before Labor Day (September 1).
• Public schools have no tuition fees. Books are also provided for free.
• You may avail yourself of a school bus service. If you live within 2 miles from
the school, the student should either be picked up/dropped off, or should walk
to school.
• You may also want to consider enrolling in a community college which offers
a two (2) year course and is less expensive.
• Each state has a state University that you may apply to.
• Most professional jobs require college/university graduates.
• Four year university graduates are considered and appreciated differently in
the labor market from community college graduates.

59
 Upgrading Your Language Skills

One way to start integrating to your new surroundings and begin feeling at home is
to become more proficient in the English language. Even if you have the feeling that
you have decent English skills, you may recognize that it is difficult at the beginning to
understand the local dialect. Enhancing your language skills will allow you to function
effectively and contribute more to society. English language abilities will also prove
useful for those who aspire to eventually gain citizenship status as the ability to
speak and write English is one of the many requirements.

Finding a technique that works for you should be the first step. Since everyone learns
differently, it is critical to know your learning style. From here you will be able to
figure out which method will produce the best outcome. As you will see below,
enrolling in a class is not the only means to improving your English skills.

Enroll in an English Class

One way to improve your skills is to enroll in an English course. The earlier you
start the better. Once you find a suitable class, enroll immediately. Classes have
different level assignments depending on your present skills.

You may visit the America’s Literacy Directory website (https://www.nld.org) to

find a local literacy provider in all 50 states and US territories.

Join Online Courses

If you want to learn English from the comforts of your home, you may go online
and join an online course. Often, the courses include tips, educational activities,
exercises, and videos. You may wish to visit the USA Learns Website for more
information http://www.usalearns.org/.

Hire a Private Tutor

Although getting a private tutor may often be expensive, one-on-one private
lessons allow you to learn at your own pace. Also, most people feel more
comfortable to ask questions when no one is around. You can either check
language schools in your vicinity for private tutors or ask for friends for referrals.

Self-Review
For those who would rather learn by themselves, the advantage of reviewing is
that you may learn at your own pace, in a less stressful environment. Depending
on your skill, learning by yourself entails practicing your English with friends and
family. Try to communicate with other people.

60
 Speak English with Native Speakers as Often as Possible
The most important strategy for improving your English skills is to use English
as often as possible. Depending on your skills, you may choose not to enroll in
a course or hire a tutor. But you should always practice your skills by talking to
native speakers as often as possible.

Remember:
• Use various mediums, if it is helpful. Carry a pocket dictionary. Use flashcards.
Download English learning apps that you can access during free time.
• Expose yourself to the culture. Listen to US music, watch English movies and read
books during leisure period.
• Get the right resources for learning. Use a book that contains exercises and answer keys.
• Converse, converse, and converse. Find a partner, preferably a native speaker, to
practice with.

Getting Help

Knowing where to get help as a newcomer is vital. This help can come in the form of
expanding social networks, assistance, and safety net for unforeseen circumstances.
Your community in most cases can be your source for that.

In addition to these, there are more immediate concerns, those that involve
urgent medical attention or life threatening situations. In these cases, it is highly
recommended that you familiarize yourself (as well as your family) with emergency
hotlines.

Local Community. Your local community is a good resource in accessing the

most basic services. Although not all services are free, they often charge very
nominal fees. Often, this includes:

Public Schools Police

Fire Department Hospitals
Local Courts Animal Control

61
 Social Service Organizations. USCIS has compiled a list of specific community
organizations whose cause mostly centers on helping immigrants. You may
visit http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/find-help-your-community
to find a list of organizations in your state. They offer services ranging from
legal assistance to free classes of various kinds.

Public Library. Public libraries contain various sources for immigrants. USCIS
has prepared a report detailing library service for immigrants which you can
access http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Office%20of%20
Citizenship/Citizenship%20Resource%20Center%20Site/Publications/
PDFs/G-1112.pdf.

Senior Citizens

Most senior citizen immigrants are no longer out to look for employment, but will
mostly do the important task of helping in raising their grandchildren. In addition to
this, senior citizens can avail of various services and benefits to enjoy and maximize
their stay in the US. The USA.gov website (http://www.firstgov.gov/Topics/Seniors.
shtml) or (http://www.seniorliving.org/organization/firstgov-seniors/) offers a pool
of government resources regarding this information. This includes information on
adult education and volunteer work; health benefits and medical facilities; retirement
planning; as well as travel and recreational ideas.

62
Emergency Hotlines

Hotline 911 (http://www.911.gov)

• Call 911 in case of emergency, specifically during: fire, crime (especially in

progress), car crash (especially if someone is injured) or medical emergency.
• The operator is trained to assess the situation you are in, provide step by step
instructions, and he/she will re-route your call to the local service such as police,
fire department, or ambulance.
• Be prepared to provide the following information: location of emergency, phone
number, nature of emergency, and details of emergency.

Crime and Domestic Violence-Related Services

There are numerous organizations whose main advocacy is protection against

domestic violence. Below are examples of such organizations, but is not limited to
the following:

• The Domestic Violence Hotline is (800) 799-7233.

• The National Sexual Assault Hotline is (800) 656-4673.
• US Department of Health and Human Services (http://www.hhs.gov/) provides
a fact sheet on the assistance available to immigrant victim of domestic violence.
• WomansLaw.org (http://womenslaw.org/) provides state-specific legal
information and resources for survivors of domestic violence.
• Office for Victims of Crime (http://www.ovc.gov/) supports victims in the
aftermath of crime to help them rebuild their lives.

Reporting identified or suspected human trafficking and other exploitative

activities

Polaris Project
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1 (888) 373-7888
Polaris BeFree Textline: Text HELP to 233733 (BeFree)

Womankind formerly New York Asian Women’s Center (NYAWC)

24/7 Multilingual Helpline : 1-888-888-7702

63
 Other Services

Service Contact Information

National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline (800) 273-8255
HIV/AID (800) 448-0440
National Child Abuse Hotline (800) 422-4453
American Red Cross (800) 733-2767
Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222
Emergency Vets (24 hours) www.veterinarians.com/
services/24-hour/
Social Security and Supplemental Security www.ssa.gov/disability/
Income Disability Programs
National Helpline Treatment Referral (800)-662-HELP (4357)
and Information Service

Remember:
• Be vigilant about your surroundings. Make mental notes of suspicious
persons or vehicles.
• Post emergency hotlines in the house where it is visible. Teach your kids.
• If you or your child accidentally calls 911 by mistake, do not hang up. They
will assume it is an emergency and might dispatch help. Simply explain the
situation to the operator.
• For non-immediate concerns, there is an A-Z list of government offices that
you may contact for various concerns. Visit their websites.

64
 3
This chapter seeks to link migrants with institutions that
provide post-arrival support, may it be through formal or
informal institutions. Moving to a new country and being
part of a new community can be intimidating. Not having
your usual support system of extended family and friends
make adjustment even more challenging. This is especially
Support Network
true for Filipinos who are used to having relatives, friends,
and neighbors present. Support networks are proven to
be useful to a migrant in expanding his/her circle, either
for personal or professional purposes. Outlined in this
chapter are:
Building a

• Informal Associations
• Formal Institutions

The Road
to Independence
65
 INFORMAL ASSOCIATIONS

Developing new and reliable support networks in the US is very important. Support
networks will be able to help you not just during your transition period but also in
eventually becoming independent, self-sufficient, and productive members of the
community.

A strong support network can provide immediate and substantial support to

immigrants like you in the initial stages of settlement from finding a house to rent,
getting familiar with the public transportation system in your area to even discovering
a good place to buy your food and daily necessities. They can also provide advice on
how to open a bank account or look for a suitable local school for your children.
Most support networks are also a good source of information on how to obtain a
state ID or driver’s license, access available government services, and social benefits
including healthcare.

Your new support network in the US can be any or all of the following, ranging from
informal associations to more formal institutions:

a. Your Neighbors and Neighborhood Association

Neighbors usually organize themselves into an association to advocate for or
organize activities within the community. Certain associations offer services
on public safety, housing advocacy (learning about tenant laws and housing
rights), counseling, accessing social services and health benefits, after-school
tutoring for kids, among others. Don’t be too shy to establish contact with your
neighbors and ask them for advice if you have questions. They can give you very
valuable hints.

b. Filipino Community or Migrant Organizations

There are hundreds of Filipino organizations in the United States and classified
further into different types or nature: regional/provincial/city/town associations,
alumni associations, religious organizations, cultural organizations, professional
organizations, chambers of commerce, umbrella federations or councils, etc.
You can choose to become a member of as many organizations as you want to
be able to join their regular activities and receive information about advocacies,
services available for Filipino immigrants or take part in outreach activities or
initiatives to help those in need in the Philippines. See Annex I for a complete
list of organizations.

66
 c. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)
Also referred to as non-profit organizations, NGOs are organizations that are not
part of government but have the purpose of filling in the gap in public services.
Similarly, NGOs are founded on a specific or multiple advocacies.

d. Informal Contacts
Churches are examples of informal contacts. It is usually the place where most
Filipinos converge to link with other people and get information about the
activities in the community. Some churches also host welcome dinners/parties
for newcomers, and occasionally offer ESL classes, health services, and even
provide referrals for job openings. You may want to consider volunteering in the
church to further build your network.

FORMAL INSTITUTIONS

There are also more formal institutions that you may seek assistance from, such as
the Philippine Embassy/Consulate and other US government agencies.

e. Philippine Embassy or Consulate that has jurisdiction over your state/area

of residence

There is one Philippine Embassy and several Consulates and Honorary Missions
in the US, each with its own jurisdiction. Aside from maintaining diplomatic
relations with the US government, the Philippine Embassy and Consulates are
responsible for providing services and assistance to Filipinos abroad, regardless
of their status. Among the direct services of the Philippine Embassy/ Consulates
are:

• Issuance of passports, travel documents and visas to the Philippines

• Authentication/acknowledgment of documents, such as Special Power
of Attorney, deeds, school and medical records, trademarks, oaths and
appointments, etc.
• Civil service registration of births, marriages and deaths of Filipino nationals
• Processing of application/s for dual citizenship
• Transportation of pets to the Philippines

67
 • Application for clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation
• Renewal of Philippine driver’s license
• Volunteering in a medical mission or donating to the Philippines
• Assistance-to-Nationals Program or assistance for overseas Filipinos
in distress
• Post-arrival services for newly arrived Filipino immigrants (Note: This
service is by appointment. Send an email or check the schedule in the
Embassy/Consulate website.)

Find time within the first few months your of arrival or once you have settled in your
new home to report and register at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate. It is important
that the Embassy/Consulate has a record of where you live or how many family
members are staying with you in case of emergency. Visiting the Embassy/Consulate
will also be a great opportunity for you to meet fellow Filipinos living in your area.

f. US Government Agencies

The United States government has several agencies providing direct services to
immigrants. For general information about departments and agencies, you may visit
the USA.gov website (http://www.USA.gov).

For a list of US government agencies and contact information, please refer to Annex
III of this handbook.

68
 P a r t of yo
ur
personal development,
especially
as a newcom
er
is taking initiative and in the US,
taking control of

your life.
Remem beprm,ent requires
develo

and
effor
t me
effort
ans

work.
69
 SOME PRACTICAL TIPS TO CONSIDER:
• Make new friends. As a newcomer, don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to other people or
groups, Filipinos and non-Filipinos. Even if you don’t share the same culture or background,
you might learn something new and important from people, who have a different view or
perspective.

• Get out of the house and be active in the community. To overcome your fears and anxieties,
find out what is out there. Walk around the community, see the sights and talk to people.
You will expand your network and find different opportunities to grow. Everyone will have
much to offer and share.

• Take advantage of modern technology. Information is readily available through the Internet.
Start by searching through many websites for US immigrants that don’t just have useful
information but also forums where you can connect with people who may be in the same
situation as you are or who would be willing to assist you.

• Join an organization. Become a member of your neighborhood association or join a Filipino/

migrant organization. Use social media (Facebook, etc.) to look for groups in your area or
according to your interests. Find a local chapter of your alumni association or a regional
organization that often has regular meetings, workshops and get-togethers. You may not
always have the time to participate in meetings or gatherings, but try to keep in touch with
others as often as possible.

• Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to meet other people who share a common interest
or advocacy. Gaining some experience through volunteering will also be an advantage to
finding a job later on.

• Offer to help. Use your skills to help out others. Work side-by-side with the locals or find
someone who may also be in transition. Be present when your community comes together
to discuss an issue or makes a decision. Make it known that you are willing to lend help being
part of the community.

• Allow others to help you. Accept the fact that you will need help at the beginning of this new
chapter in your life. When people offer their help, say “yes” and allow them the chance to
contribute to your development.

• Keep a positive outlook. Attract positive energy in your life. Some people will be more
willing to support those who are willing to exert the effort. Stay optimistic, regardless of the
difficulties.

• Follow up on every lead. When people in your support network refer you to someone in the
community or an organization that might help you, don’t be afraid to pursue it. It might be
difficult or embarrassing at first, but you might also find a good lead for a new career.

70
 4
This chapter seeks to equip you with basic knowledge
of available job portals and to improve your general
understanding of the US workplace environment.
Employment is a top priority for most migrants upon
Employment
arrival. Although it is your right as an immigrant to work
in the US, it is your obligation to increase your chances
of finding a job that meets your expectations and skills.
Outlined in this chapter are:

• Getting Your Credentials Recognized

• Where to look for a Job in the US
• Preparing for your Job Application
• US Workplace Environment

Securing a Job
71
 GETTING YOUR
CREDENTIALS RECOGNIZED
The credentials you have acquired overtime in the Philippines are not necessarily
forfeited when you move to the US. You may apply for accreditation, which will
allow the educational institution, employer, or licensing board to evaluate if your
qualifications are at par with American standards. Accreditation will aid you to
pursue further education, practice your current profession, or get hired. However, as
significant as this may be, it is important to note that this process may be difficult and
does not guarantee employment. Nevertheless, getting your credentials recognized
may be extremely useful and should be considered a priority. This section discusses
the following:

• Translating Academic and Professional Documents

• Applying for Accreditation

Translating Academic and Professional Documents

Having all relevant academic and professional documents translated to English is

the first step to accreditation. American schools or institutions, hiring employers,
and licensing boards all require that you submit your certified diploma, transcript, or
certificates in the English language.

It advisable that you start the process of getting your qualifications accredited as
early as possible. You are highly encouraged to translate all relevant academic and
professional documents already while you are still in the Philippines. First, the cost
of translation is cheaper in the Philippines. Second, you may be able to request
for a certified, English version of your diploma and certificate from the academic
institution or issuing agency in the Philippines. Otherwise, you will need to hire the
services of a professional translator or translation agency.

Below are general guidelines when having your documents translated:

Gather all the documents. Compile all academic and professional

documents such as certificates, recognitions/awards, diplomas,

1 transcripts, etc. Gather the documents you think will help you either
for an academic admission or for employment purposes.

72
 Segregate the documents. Separate the documents that need to be
2 translated and those that are not. Note that all documents should be
both 1) in English and 2) certified by the issuing agency.

Have the necessary documents translated. If you cannot request for

3 a certified, English version from the issuing agency or institution, hire
the services of a translation company or a professional translator.
Make certain the translator or the company is legitimate, authorized,
and competent. US agencies will not recognize documents that you
translate yourself.

To ensure that the document is a valid certified translation, the US Certified Translation
Service lists the following components that should be found in the document:33

• The certified English translation must be on official company letterhead showing

the name and address of the translator/translation company;
• The complete word-for-word translation of the original text formatted closely as
possible to the original text; and
• A statement signed by the translator or translation company representative
attesting that the translator or translation company representative believe
the translated text to be an accurate and complete translation of the source
document (Certificate of Accuracy).

Source: Foreign Credits

(http://out.easycounter.com/
external/foreigncredits.com )

33. What is a Certified Translation? (n.d.). Retrieved from US Certified Translation

Service: http://www.uscts.com/what_is_a_certified_transkation.

73
 Remember:
• Translate all documents into English and have it certified before leaving the
Philippines. Translation cost is lower in the Philippines than in the US.
• Make sure to double check for any mistakes in the certified translated
document. Check the spelling of names and dates.
• Do not mail the original copy of the document to the translator or translation
company. A photocopy should suffice.

Applying for Accreditation

Once you have all your documents translated, the next step is to apply for
accreditation in the US. The Department of Education (ED) (http://www.ed.gov/
international/usnei/us/profrecog.doc) released guidelines as listed below on the
process, although it does not implement the actual accreditation. There is no single
entity or governing body that does this. Instead, listed below are several authorities
(depending on relevance) that handle the recognition process for individuals seeking
to have their credits, degrees, and qualifications recognized:

• The admitting school or higher education institution (for students)

• The hiring employer (for individuals seeking employment)
• State or territorial licensing boards (for regulated professions)

Depending on the arrangement with your school or employer, the process of

accreditation varies. To evaluate your credentials, the abovementioned authorities
often refer to the analysis and recommendations of credential evaluation services.
These are independent companies that provide analysis whether your non-US
qualifications are at par to the standards observed in the US education system, labor
market, and professions.

Below are several points to consider when having your credentials accredited:

For Students Seeking to Study in the US

Contact the International Admissions Office of the school you wish

1 to enroll. Ask about the process of getting your credentials evaluated.
Inform the relevant faculty of the school about your interest in joining

74
 the school as they have some influence in admissions, especially for
graduate and research at the doctorate and post-doctorate level.

Avail yourself of the services of the credential evaluation company

2 endorsed or suggested by the school. Evaluations are not free and
prices may vary. You will have to pay the cost.

Select a reputable credential evaluation company if the school did

3 not provide any recommendations. There are two (2) reputable
evaluation associations that can provide specific recommendations
that you may wish to check:

• National Association of Credential Evaluation Services

(NACES) (www.naces.org)
• Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
(http://aice-eval.org/)

Make sure to translate any non-English documents to English.

4 Do this before submitting your documents. Preferably, submit a
notarized copy.

Apply for appeal. In cases where the recommendations and your

5 application have been rejected, you can apply for an appeal to both
the educational institution and the credential evaluation services.

For Individuals Seeking Employment

Contact the Human Resources Office of the company you wish to

1 join. They will either perform the evaluation themselves, or refer you
to an evaluation service. Otherwise, you would have to do it alone.
Do as instructed.

Select a reputable credential evaluation company, if the employer

2 did not provide any recommendations. There are two reputable
evaluation associations that can provide specific recommendations
that you may wish to check:

• National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)

• Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)

75
 Apply for appeal. In cases where the recommendations and your
3 application have been rejected, you can apply for an appeal to both
the employer and the credential evaluation services.

For Individuals Seeking to Get their Professional Licenses Recognized

Consult the state licensing boards and professional associations

1 for guidance on the process of accreditation. You may visit the ED
website (www.ed.gov) for a list of accrediting agencies.

Consult national associations as well. These associations may

2 provide additional guidance and information as well as directories.
The three main associations are:

• Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation (CLEAR)

(http://www.clearhq.org/)
• Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards (FARB)
(http://www.farb.imiscloud.org/)
• National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA)

Remember:
• Accreditation does not guarantee employment.
• Expect additional requirements. A diploma is only one part of it. Employers
and licensing boards require proof of experience, internship, or an
additional examination.
• Accreditation can be awarded either partially or in full.
• Prepare to pay the cost of the accreditation, unless otherwise agreed.
• Standards between states differ for professional accreditation.

76
WHERE TO LOOK FOR A JOB
IN THE U.S.

Taking a proactive approach is an effective technique in job hunting. It is not easy

to get a job, and it often takes time. Hence, it is important to exhaust all channels
available – and this means going beyond online job searches! Your success in getting
a job will ultimately depend on how much effort and time you are willing to invest in
your job search. This section discusses the following:

• Job Portals and Other Ways to Find Job Offers

• Orientations and Trainings

Job Portals and Other Ways to Find Job Offers

Before you start your job search, you must at least have an idea of what type of job
and which industry you want to join. Although you may discover new opportunities
along the way, it is advisable to identify your interests first. This will allow you to use
your time wisely.

Online job hunting is the most common, popular way of looking for a job. It is,
however, not the only way. Very often informal channels play an important role for
finding a job. Making use of available resources in your community such as visiting
job fairs in the area, signing up in a club or association, or volunteering are effective
ways of expanding your network.

Below is a checklist of strategies34 that you may wish to try:

Try these strategies!

• Check online job posts and advertisements
• Directly contact potential employers
• Ask your friends and social circle if they have contacts/ recommendations

34. What are the first steps to take when looking for a job? (n.d.). Retrieved from
Canadian Foundation for Economic Education: http://www.virtualadvisor.ca/home?acti
on=viewQuestion&question_id=204

77
 • Attend a job/career fair
• Apply for internships
• Join associations that can expand your network
• Submit your resume in a resume bank
• Look into the classified ads in the newspapers
• View the websites of specific companies
• Try to arrange informational interviews with companies that interest you
• Visit an employment or career center
• Try using a placement agency or a head hunter
• Join social media such as LinkedIn
• Consider volunteering to get more experience

Quality of Business Contacts

Building a network of contacts is an effective way of improving your chances of

getting an interview. Recommendations from people already in the company you
want to work for, or are in the same industry matter. Aside from providing you tips
on the ins and outs of the industry, they help you expand your business network,
may put you in touch with the right people, and provide you with relevant, up to date
information. You probably meet many of the people that can help you with your job
search in informal settings, such as neighborhood or migrant associations, or in the
church or other clubs. Don’t be shy to reach out to people and make new friends.

Orientations and Trainings

One of the most common obstacles experienced by immigrants in their job search is
the lack of work experience in the US. Besides trying to get your Filipino credentials
accredited it is therefore useful to attend job orientations, seminars, and trainings.
Enrolling in short-term courses or apprenticeships will boost your credentials.

The skills you have acquired through these trainings are not only to boost your
resume. These skills and competencies will actually be useful to you in performing
your duties when you get hired.

Once you have found a job that interests you it is time to work on your application.

78
 LEARN MORE LEARN MORE ABOUT
ABOUT TRAININGS THE AVAILABLE
JOBS IN THE MARKET
• The US Department of Labor-
Employment and Training Headhunter
Administration funds numerous (http://www.headhunter.com/)
job training programs that may Career Builder
help improve employment (www.careerbuilder.com)
prospects. You may visit Monster.com (www.monster.com)
their website for training USA Jobs (www.usajobs.gov)
opportunities (http://www.dol. EmploymentGuide.com
gov/dol/topic/training/) (http://www.employmentguide.com/)
• American Job Center (http:// CareerJet.com
careeronestop.org/site/ (http://www.careerjet.com/)
american-job-center.aspx) Jobhits (http://jobhits.net/)
• CareerOneStop (https://www. Jobsearch (http://www.2jobsearch.net/)
careeronestop.org/toolkit/ Geebo (http://geebo.com/)
training/find-local-training. America’s Job Exchange
aspx). (http://www.americasjobexchange.com/)
• Learn4good (http://www. Career Market Place
learn4good.com/career_ (http://www.careermarketplace.com/)
training_courses.htm) Nation Job
(http://www.nationjob.com/)
JobSearchUSA.org
(http://www.jobsearchusa.org/)

Remember:
• Keep a positive attitude and set realistic expectations. Do not be easily
discouraged, and accept constructive criticisms.
• Utilize multiple job search strategies. Do not rely on one method.
• Socialize and interact with new people. You can meet potential business
networks in informal settings – neighborhood, migrant associations, Church,
or clubs.
• Get started as soon as possible. You may start your job search prior to
departure, and even schedule an interview.

79
 PREPARING FOR YOUR
JOB APPLICATION
Marketing yourself the right way is vital to make sure your application sticks out
in the sea of applications that employers receive. A carefully prepared cover letter
and resume exponentially increases your chances of getting an interview. Putting
together an effective application pack on top of a successful interview will definitely
aid you to land your desired job. You have to be aware that certain aspects of job
search are different in the US compared to the Philippines. This section therefore
discusses the following:

• Creating a Resume and a Cover Letter

• Preparing for a Job Interview

Creating a Resume and a Cover Letter35

Resume

A resume is “a brief summary of your experience, education, and skills. It is

a marketing piece, usually one (1) or two (2) pages long, designed to interest an
employer.”36

Your resume is evaluated by an employer both in substance (content) and form (style
and format) to see if it deserves consideration. Below are several guidelines on each
dimension.

Content

Job advertisements are often intimidating. In some instances, you may feel
that your educational background, skills, or work experience do not match
the position advertised. However, it is best to be confident and take a chance
if you are really interested in the position. You might surprise yourself! If you

35. Liming, D. (2009). Résumés, Applications, and Cover Letters. Retrieved from US
Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2009/resume.pdf\
36. Liming, D. (2009). Résumés, Applications, and Cover Letters. Retrieved from US
Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2009/summer/art03.pdf

80
 carefully choose the contents of your resume, you may be able to market your
strengths effectively. In the same line, resumes should therefore be tailor-fitted
to the position you are applying for; it is not a one-size fits all. If resumes get too
long the really relevant information may be overlooked. It is vital to show your
potential employer that you have what it takes to take on the job.

While it is common in the Philippines to include a photo, and other personal

information such as birth date/age, civil status, etc., it is not advisable to include
these information in your resume when applying for a job in the United States.
Moreover, it is illegal for interviewers to ask and decide based on these data.

Items that you must include on your resume:

Contact Information Experience

Full name Name and location of organization
Telephone/Mobile Number Job title
Duties performed (include number
Address
of people supervised)
Email Address Promotions
Education Results achieved/ accomplishment
School and Year attended Relevant volunteer activities
Degree Internships
Trainings attended/ certificates Optional
Relevant coursework/subjects Qualification Summary
Research work Job Objective or your career goal
Personal Information or list of
Awards/ Honors hobbies and interests (that you
think may help)
References (unless specifically
Exchange programs/ studies abroad
requested)
Skills
Foreign Language (include level)
Computer Skills

Note: There is no need to translate the name of your school in English if it is in

Filipino or any other local dialect.

81
 Types of Format

Chronological Functional Combination

Most common; Organized Organized around skills Combination of
according to your job rather than job titles chronological and
experience functional format
Start your list of experience Identify 3-4 skills for your
with the most recent (reverse target job; identify 3-5
chronological order) examples per skill.
Include 3-5 sentence Arrange skill headings in
descriptions per each job order of importance
Focus on the most relevant, Include a brief work history
important positions in the last part, with job
titles, company name, and
years rendered
Not ideal for people with Works for newly graduates,
inconsistent work history, or with little experience
first time jobseekers

Style

Below are general guidelines in drafting an American style resume:

• Limit your resume to a maximum of one (maximum two pages), single- sided.
• Format (and print) your resume in a Letter sized paper (8.5x11 inch), with
one-inch margins on all sides.
• Use a professional looking font such as Times New Roman, Arial, etc.
• Do not make the font too small. Font size should be 11 or above.
• Do not crowd your resume with too much information. Strive for a clean,
looking paper that is visually appealing.
• Use boldface, caps lock, and underlines strategically. Use it to highlight
necessary information, when needed.
• Make sure you are consistent with your style all throughout the document.
• Do not include your photo.
• Do not include information such as age, gender, religion, weight, height,
marital status, and other similar personal information that are not relevant
to the job.
• Expand acronyms (AAA, BBB, etc.) and abbreviations. Do not assume the
employer understands what it stands for.

82
Source: US Department of Labor. Resumes, Applications, and Cover Letters

83
 Cover Letter

Similarly, a cover letter is one way to convince your potential employer that you are
suited and interested in the job. It provides an opportunity to highlight your best
qualifications and explain why you are the right candidate for the job. Always submit
a cover letter when sending out your resume. Below are basic rules on how to draft
a cover letter:

Content

Salutation
• Address the letter to a specific individual, if possible.
• If necessary, call the company to inquire who you should address the letter to.
Make sure to ask for the correct title.
• Since this is a business letter, use a colon (:) after the name, and not a comma (,).

Opening Paragraph
• Indicate the position you are applying for and the source where you got the
information or saw the job posting.
• If you were referred or recommended, indicate this as well.

Body
• Summarize your most relevant qualifications, referencing desired skills
from the job posting and how you would be able to meet the requirements
of the position.
• Provide details of accomplishments and results. Include numbers/percentages
if applicable.
• Express how you fit the criteria indicated in the job advertisement in ways other
than what the reader can see in your resume. You may also find it helpful to
reference positions in your resume to highlight a particular skill you acquired.

Closing Paragraph
• Thank the reader
• Common ways to do this include:
• “Thank you for your time and consideration.”
• “Thank you for your consideration. If you have additional questions about
my application, please contact me.”
• Request an interview
• Common ways to do this include:
• “I am available for an interview at your convenience.”
• Repeat your contact information in case the employer wants to reach you

84
 • End with a salutation and sign your name
• Common salutations include:
• “Best Regards,”
• “Sincerely,”

Preparing for a Job Interview

Once you have a scheduled job interview, you must prepare for how you would
answer, what questions you would ask, and in which manner you want to present
yourself. You may have the necessary skill sets and competencies the job requires,
but if you fail to convey this, your potential employer might fail to see your potential.

One way to prepare for an interview is to watch tutorial videos. These videos discuss
commonly asked questions and key answers. A mock interview with a reliable friend
generally works as well. Ask a friend to act as an interviewer and go through a list of
questions. This way, you may hear yourself aloud as well as get constructive feedback.

85
 Source: US Department of Labor. Resumes, Applications, and Cover Letters

Remember:
• DO NOT LIE. Do not invent skills, educational attainment, etc. Sooner or later
they will find out and this can be grounds for termination.
• TAILOR FIT YOUR RESUME to show that your qualification matches the
requirements.
• Potential employers reach out either through your phone or via email to
schedule an interview. Make sure to check your inbox regularly for any email.
• For those applying in a creative industry, such as for a marketing position, graphic
artist, etc., the rules for designing your resume are more flexible and creative.
• Do not assume your employers know your company. Provide a brief background,
both in your resume and during the interview.
• Use strong action verbs and key words in your resume.
• There are several ways to send your application: postal mail, electronic, or fax.
Check with the company what their preferred method is.
• PROOFREAD YOUR WORK. There are no excuses for spelling and grammatical
errors. Double check sentences in your cover letter.

86
Types37

There are several types of interview as listed below:

• Screening Interviews – either through phone or in-person. A representative

of the company, who is not the decision maker, would screen if you meet the
necessary criteria and will try to gather initial impressions. This helps narrow
the choices of applicants for the decision maker.
• Peer Group Interview – the interview will be conducted by your potential co-
workers to evaluate your ability to fit in.
• Group/ Panel Interview – the interviewers are people you will potentially work
with to see if you are qualified for the post.
• Video-Conference interview – the interview is done virtually or by video.

Pointers on Good and Bad Behavior

From the moment you arrive at the location of the interview, you are being observed.
The observations range from the attire you are wearing all the way to the manner of
how you speak. Below are several DO’s and DONT’s of a job interview:

Interview
DOs DONTs
Type
DO have a copy of your resume DON’T smoke, eat, and
in plain sight so you may refer chew gum.
to it for additional information,
or if clarification is needed.

DO keep a pen and paper with DON’T interrupt the person.

Phone you for note taking. Listen attentively and use the
Interview38 time he/she is speaking to gather
your thoughts.

DO make sure that the location DON’T forget to address the

you are in is a stress and noise person or interviewer with his/her
free environment. name and specific title.

37. Job Interviews. (n.d.). Retrieved from CareerOneStop: https://www.careeronestop.

org/resumesinterviews/resumesinterviews.aspx
38. Phone Interview Tips. Retrieved from The Interview Guys: https://theinterviewguys.
com/phone-interview-tips/

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 DO make sure that the phone
connection is clear, and will
remain uninterrupted.

DO thank them for the time and

offer to meet in person if they
would like to do a face to face
interview.

DO dress up for the job ap- DON’T forget to get the direc-
propriately to make a good first tions, bring all the requirements,
impression. Look presentable, complete all the necessary forms
groomed and put together. to be filled out, and bringing a
copy of your resume.

DO make eye contact, and act DON’T arrive late. Make sure
interested and attentive. Com- you give a grace period so
mit to a firm hand shake. appear relaxed. Don’t come in
too early as well that you would
make the employer uncomfort-
able and obliged to interview you
immediately.

DO smile and act friendly. This DON’T bring a drink with you
would create an impression that such as coffee that you may spill
you work well with a team. and create a mess.
Personal
Interview DO research about the compa- DON’T forget to turn off your
ny before your interview. Know mobile phone or put it in silent
key personnel, brief history, mode.
position you are applying for,
and possibly (if available in their
website), the company’s future
direction or plans.

DO be conscious of your DON’T badmouth past employ-

body language. You are be- ers. If you are asked why you
ing assessed not only orally left a particular company, refrain
but through your non-verbal from saying negative comments.
signals. Avoid acting defen-
sive and closed to opinions or
suggestions. Avoid bad habits
such as nail biting, constantly
touching your hair, pulling your
clothes down, etc.

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 DO ask some questions. This DON’T lie about your skills and
will not only provide you clarity competencies, as well as your
with specific information you educational and professional
would like to ask, but this sends background. They might find
an impression that you are out in the future and this is a
interested in the job and that legitimate ground for termination.
you think. Prepare questions in Be honest.
advance.
DO sell yourself, in the right
way. Your nature may be shy,
but unless you speak up and
highlight your good traits, your
potential employer has no way
of knowing given the short
amount of time you have met.
DO remember you are inter-
viewing them too! You are
welcome to ask questions that
will help you decide if the posi-
tion is a match for you too. You
want to find a position in which
you will be happy and produc-
tive. This will help you feel more
confident too.

Interview Questions39

Asking questions during interviews are not simply the role of the interviewer. An
interview is also a good opportunity to clarify essential aspects of the position you
are applying for that is not explained well in the job advertisement. This will allow
you to level off your expectations and make a well-informed decision if they decide
to hire you. At the same time, asking questions creates an impression that you are
interested in the job, willing to learn, and you are fully prepared.

In an interview, questions will not be limited to what is written in your resume.

A good interviewer will ask you to describe and share scenarios where you have
applied your skills. Be prepared to answer these kinds of questions.

39. Sample Job Interview Questions. (n.d.). Retrieved from CareerOneStop: http://
www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/nterview/common-interview-questions.aspx/

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 Commonly Asked Questions

• Tell me about yourself. Tell me about your education and work experience.
• Why did you apply here? Why are you interested in working for this company?
• What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?
• Give an example of a situation where you demonstrated leadership skills.
• What do you consider as your biggest professional accomplishment?
• If hired, what will you contribute to the company?
• Describe how you would handle a situation if you disagreed with your
supervisor/boss.
• Why do you want to leave your current company (if applicable)?
• Describe a situation where you demonstrated your problem-solving skills.

Possible Questions to Ask Your Employer

• What are the major responsibilities of the position?

• What are the key challenges of the position?
• Can you describe for me what a typical workday would be for me?
• To whom will I report in this position?
• What are the prospects for growth and advancement in the company?
• Do you have formal training programs?
• How would you describe the company’s culture?
• What particular computer equipment and software do you use?
• If hired, how soon would you like me to start?
• May I call you for the decision? When is a good time?
• Are there any questions I can answer for you?

For further information on commonly asked questions and strategies on how to

answer in an interview, you may visit http://bhuvans.wordpress.com/2006/08/19/50-
common-interview-qa. The website has published 50 interview questions from the
book The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOCK INTERVIEWS

THROUGH VIDEOS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqeghm8Uut8
http://www.youtube.com/user/The2InterviewGuys

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Your Rights Regardless of Visa Status (only applicable for occupational categories)

1. Your Right Not to be Retaliated Against – it is unlawful for your employer to try to punish
you. If your employer threatens you at any time, seek help immediately.
2. The Right to be Paid – you have the right to get paid in all work you do, in the same manner
as U.S. workers.
3. Your Right Not to be Discriminated Against – you have the right to not be treated
differently or badly at work because of your gender, race, national origin, color, religion, or
disability. Your employer should pay the same amount to each worker for the same work
and offer each worker the same job opportunities. Your employer can’t make you speak
only in English at work unless there is an important business reason to require English.
4. You Rights as a Woman Worker – your employer MAY NOT treat you differently or badly
because you are a woman or you are pregnant – this is sex discrimination. Whether you
are a woman or a man, your employer MAY NOT sexually harass you. Your employer should
never demand that you perform sex acts, touch you in a sexual manner, or say or yell sexual
or offensive comments.
5. Your Right to a Healthy and Safe Workplace – all employees have a right to safe and clean
working conditions: Housing, bathrooms, potable water, medical treatment to illness or
injury on the job. In case of medical emergencies, call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Your
expenses may be paid for so you should report this to your employer immediately so he
or she can file the necessary paperwork. Ask for copies of the paperwork regarding your
illness or injury when you are the doctor or clinic.
6. Your Right to Join a Union and Bargain Collectively – with few exceptions, you have a right
to form and join a union, regardless of your immigration status under the federal law. Your
employer cannot take against you for doing so.
7. Your Right to More Protections Under State Law.
8. Your Right to Leave an Abusive Employment Situation – you do not have to stay in your
job if your employer is abusing you. You may also make a formal complaint or file a lawsuit
against your employer while you are still working.

Remember:
• It is illegal for an interviewer to ask and decide based on your race, origin,
age, gender, marital status, religion, disability, pregnancy etc. Similarly, do
not include this information in your resume.
• Do your homework. Familiarize yourself with the company and avoid asking
questions where answers are already explained in the website.
• If you have worked in an American company in the Philippines, mention this
to the interviewer as an added credit for work experience.
• Prepare questions to ask in advance. Have at least three to five questions
prepared.

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 US WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

Each work environment is distinct; it varies by country, by industry, by location, and

even by department. There are however characteristics that are typical for a US
workplace and that may differ from what you are used in the Philippines. The sooner
you become aware of these differences, the easier it is for you to adapt. This section
discusses the following:

• Work Culture and Ethics
• Workplace Rules

Work Culture and Ethics

• Work culture means the informal set of rules on how people behave at the
workplace. Since the Philippine setting is quite different from the US, it is
important to be observant. Although not everyone will expect you to know how
everything works in the beginning, it is prudent to become attentive so as not
to unintentionally offend anyone.
• Below are general characteristics observed in the US workplace:
• Generally, the relationship between an employee and a supervisor/boss is not
hierarchical. You may be able address your supervisor/boss or those who hold
high positions by their first name; however, until this is established, you should
address them by a title (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.). Despite being informal, employers
are still polite in their conversations with their managers/boss.
• Answer clearly when in a conversation, say “yes” or “no”. It is impolite to simply
nod your head or make other non-verbal signals when asked a question.
• Americans like holding meetings to discuss details and brainstorm. Even as an
employee, you are almost expected to share your opinions. Americans are vocal
on speaking their minds, regardless of age or position. Making an objection or
expressing opposing views are common, but convey it politely.
• Do not be late for a meeting. People arrive on time. It is considered rude to keep
everyone waiting.
• Generally, relationships with your colleagues are professional. Although there
are instances where you will build personal relationships, do not expect
everyone to open up about personal matters. Americans value privacy and
private matters should not be discussed at the workplace.

92
 • Don’t be surprised if people in the office who you do not know greet you in the
elevator or as you walk pass through them. Be courteous and greet them back.
Normally, Americans would greet you with a “hi” or “hello” and ask you how
you are. This is an expression. They do not expect you to tell them how your
day went. You might answer, “I am fine” or return the question by saying, “I am
fine. How are you?”
• If you have trouble in your position, deal with it professionally. Address the issue
with your supervisor rather than discussing it with colleagues at work.

Workplace Rules40

Once you have been hired by a company, the Human Resources department will
provide you with the company’s manual. Read the manual and familiarize yourself
with the office rules. Each company has a set of guidelines that it abides by.

Below are some general office rules:

• Work hours. For full time employees, work is normally 40 hours per week.
Working days are from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You are allotted
1 hour for lunch 15 minutes break in the morning and afternoon. Part-time
employees and consultants have a more flexible hours and schedule, depending
on the arrangement.
• Vacations. A new employee is normally allowed to get one or two weeks of paid
holiday per year.
• Smoking. Smoking is prohibited in the office. However, there will be designated
smoking areas outside the building.
• Dress Code. Dress code may be informal or formal, depending on the industry
you are in.
• Minimum Wage. Minimum wages vary per state. Federal minimum wage law
supersedes state minimum wage laws where the federal minimum wage is
greater than the state minimum wage. In those states where the state minimum
wage is greater than the federal minimum wage, the state minimum wage
prevails. For more information on your state, you may refer to http://www.dol.
gov/whd/minwage/america.htm.
• Benefits. This may include bonus schemes, medical and dental insurance, eye
care, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, and accidental death
and dismemberment benefits.

40. Work Environment. (n.d.). Retrieved from Just Landed: http://www.justlanded.com/

english/USA/USA-Guide/Jobs/Work-environment

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 • Workers Compensation Plan. This insurance provides monetary assistance and
medical care for an employee who is injured, hurt, or disabled due to a work-
related accident.

Moreover, you may be entitled to more benefits under the US laws and regulations.
For more information, you may visit the Department of Labor website (www.dol.gov/
compliance/guide/index.htm) for a complete guide of your rights as an employee.

Payroll Taxes41

Equally important when examining your job offer is to somewhat be able to compute
your net pay after the various payroll deductions. Similar to the Philippines, there are
several statutory and voluntary tax deducted from your monthly paycheck. Below is
a brief breakdown of the possible deductions. Note that it is advisable to be prudent
and double check with your employer to get the accurate figure.

Examples of Statutory and Voluntary Tax Deductions

Statutory Tax Voluntary Tax
Federal income tax Health Insurance Premiums
(medical, dental, eye care)
Social Security Tax (withholding) Life insurance Premiums
Medicare Tax (withholding) Retirement Plan Contributions
State income Tax Stock Purchase Plans
Local Tax (withholding) Meals, Uniforms, Union dues, etc.

Remember:
• Expect to work with people from different backgrounds and culture. Be sensitive
and try to learn more about them. Dispel misconceptions and stereotypes.
• Educate yourself. Learn about the company’s values and management style in
order to excel!

41. Blaricom, D. V. (n.d.). Payroll Taxes. Retrieved from About.com: http://taxes.about.

com/od/payroll/qt/payroll_basics.htm

94
 5 Finances
This chapter aims to provide guidance on financial
planning. As migrants experience a substantial increase
in income when starting a job abroad, this information
is crucial in making sound financial decisions. Since this
chapter will mostly discuss financial rules of thumb, we
encourage you to do further research to be able to plan
and follow your financial objectives wisely. Outlined in
this chapter are:

• Importance of Financial Literacy

• Financial Planning
• Savings
• Credit History and Score
Managing Your

• Financial Mistakes Couples Make

• Remittances

Preparing for
Your Future Now
95
 IMPORTANCE OF
FINANCIAL LITERACY

• Financial literacy provides relative information about money management

skills, income and savings.
• Financial literacy helps in preparation in buying a home, funding the
children’s education and ensuring a comfortable retirement life.
• Financial literacy aims to help individuals in reaching and attaining financial
goals in life.
• Financial literacy encourages everyone to understand how money works
and how to manage it properly and wisely.
• Financial literacy provides a set of skills and knowledge that allows an
individual to make informed and effective decisions with all of their
financial resources.

96
CFO’s Financial Literacy Campaign: Kapit Ka!

As part of its core mission to assist migrants like

you and your family in preparing for life abroad,
CFO conducts the “Kaalamang Pinansyal Tungo Sa
Kaunlaran” or “KAPIT KA!” program.

Through this program, CFO conducts lectures and workshops aimed to educate
participants on proper management of their finances through savings, budgeting,
financial planning, and investments. Being able to properly manage one’s finances
is particularly important for migrants. Migration itself is a costly endeavor that
requires wise spending and planning. Once migrants have established themselves
in the destination country, they often earn substantially more than ever before. It
is important to manage these funds properly to get maximum long-term benefits.

The KAPIT KA! training module covers the following topics: Knowing your Financial
Standing; Financial Fitness Quiz; Prioritizing your Expenses; Preparing your Dream
Matrix; The Right Formula of Saving; Preparation of Personal Income and Expense
Tracker; 10 Commandments to be Financially Literate; and Oath of Financial Literacy.

CFO encourages you, your friends, and family to take the self-assessment exercise
to discover your financial standing (https://cfo.gov.ph/images/file/DreamMatrix-
1.3.swf).

A Dream Matrix exercise can also be found in Annex E of this handbook.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

The financial cost of moving to a different country is significant. Prior to your move, you
and your family may have spent a considerably large amount to process documents
for your visa application, medical exams, and airfare. You may have to adjust your
standard of living as you start to manage your finances. You would have to pay off
debts incurred in the process of moving, prepare for rainy days, and live a simpler
lifestyle while there is no steady flow of income in the first few months from arrival.

97
 The key in overcoming what seems like a daunting task is financial planning. Financial
planning allows you to design your financial objectives through a series of steps
or goals. Overall, your financial objective may include preparation for retirement,
payment of debts, or saving to start up a business.

Below are recommended steps in planning your finances:42

Determine your current financial situation. Assess your income,

1 savings, living expenses, and debts. Make a list of your current asset
and debt balances, as well as your expenses.

Develop your financial goals. Periodically analyze your financial

2 values and goals. Reflect on how you feel about money and why you
feel that way. The purpose of this analysis is to help you differentiate
your needs from your wants.

Identify alternative courses of action. Develop alternatives when

3 you make decisions or choices involving money. Creativity in
decision-making is vital to effective choices. By considering all of the
possible alternatives, you will find yourself making more effective
and satisfying decisions.

Evaluate your alternatives. You need to evaluate all possible courses

4 of action, taking into consideration your life situation, personal
values, and current economic conditions. Every decision closes
off alternatives. Decision-making will be an ongoing part of your
personal and financial situation. Thus, you will need to consider the
lost opportunities that will result from your decisions.

Create and implement a financial action plan. Develop an action

5 plan. This requires choosing ways to achieve your goals. As you
achieve your immediate or short-term goals, the goals next in
priority will come into focus. To implement your financial action plan,
consider asking assistance from others like your family members.

42. Financial Planning. (n.d.). Retrieved from McGraw-Hill Financial : http://highered.

mcgrawhill.com/sites/0079876543/student_view0/junior_year-999/your_finances14/
financial_planning.html

98
 Re-evaluate and revise the plan. Financial planning is a dynamic
6 process that does not end when you take a particular action. You
need to regularly assess your financial decisions. Changing personal,
social, and economic factors may require more frequent assessments.
When life events affect your financial needs, this financial planning
process will provide a vehicle for adapting to those changes. Regularly
reviewing this decision-making process will help you make priority
adjustments that will bring your financial goals and activities in line
with your current life situation.

SAVINGS

The Right Formula

You should develop the discipline to SAVE FIRST before spending. If you spend before
you save, there will be nothing left to save after all the expenses.

Hence, the right formula is:

INCOME - SAVINGS = EXPENSES

The idea of this formula is “paying yourself” or “paying your future first.” This ensures
that you prioritize savings over expenses. Ideally, you should save at least 10 to 20
percent of your monthly salary.

Needs versus Wants

One vital aspect of financial planning is being able to correctly identify and prioritize
your “needs” over your “wants”. Developing the ability to distinguish between a
necessity from what may be considered as mere luxury will help you attain your
financial objectives.

Simply defined, “needs” are things we need in order to live, while “wants” are
everything else we like to have but do not necessarily need to survive.

99
 Below are some examples of needs and wants.

NEEDS
vs.
WANTS

100
Setting a Savings Target

Identifying a specific savings goal is an essential step in financial planning – it may be

having an emergency fund, paying of a mortgage, availing of a personal or children’s
educational fund, buying a car, or even just building on a savings account. Each
individual has their own savings goal.

Below are several tips when setting a savings target:

• Identify how much you need to save to reach your target. Compute how much
you need to save each month to reach that goal given your deadline.
• Set a self-imposed deadline. A definite timeframe is a good motivation.
• Be realistic in your goals, prepare for contingencies, and factor in
sudden expenses.
• Involve your family in setting and achieving your savings goal.

Emergency Savings/Fund

While you’re still finding a stable job or source of income, you must also learn to set
aside enough of your earnings for an emergency fund. This ensures that you and
your family get by in case of sudden illness or urgent expenses in the household or
when you’re in between jobs. Financial experts suggest that emergency savings/fund
should be enough to cover three to six months-worth of major expenses like housing
(rent, mortgage, property tax, insurance, utilities), food, healthcare, debt repayment,
transportation and personal expenses (clothing, insurance, toiletries, etc.).

CREDIT HISTORY AND SCORE

Credit history is an important concept you need to understand when you live in
the US. Simply put, it is a record of your debt history, your creditors with current
balances and accounts that remain payable. It keeps tab of your payment agreement
with your creditors. As a new US immigrant, you need to build a credit history from
scratch because chances are your first few credit card or mortgage applications will
not be approved for lack of it.

101
 Your credit history also indicates what is referred to as credit score. It is a numerical
representation of your relationship to credit ranging from 300-850. Having a good
credit score and credit history, between 775-850, is a good indicator for banks, credit
providers, and lenders that will help you get better terms for future loans. You must
make sure to always make payments on time and avoid overspending.

Source: www.chase.com

Your credit score is made up of the 1) amounts you owe (credit card debts, outstanding
loans); 2) payment history; 3) types of credit used (including remaining balance on
your card, car loans, student loans, etc.; 4) new credit; and 5) length of credit history
(timeline of activity on your credit card and account).

You will find below several tips on how to improve your credit score: 43

99Pay your bills on time. Set up bill reminders or automatic bill payments. A late
payment-even for a day-can make an impact.
99Keep your total debt low. Your total debt is used to calculate your credit history.

43. How to Improve Your Credit Score. (n.d.). Retrieved from Chase:
https://www.creditcards.chase.com/free-credit-score?CELL=68GQ&jp_aid_
a=53609&jp_aid_p=homepage_carousel/slide2

102
 99Review your credit report for inaccuracies. You can view your credit report once
a year for free.
99Do not open a credit card for a one-time saving deal. This might actually cost
you more than you expect.
99Do not cancel your unused credit card. Depending on the situation, closing a
credit card can actually lower your credit score.

To learn more about Credit History, you may visit the Chase website at https://www.
chase.com/personal/mortgage

THE SIX FINANCIAL MISTAKES

COUPLES MAKE 44

If you and your partner are like most couples, chances are, you argue about money.
Numerous studies have shown that money is the No. 1 reason why couples have
misunderstandings. You need to communicate with your spouse or partner regarding
your stand on financial matters as a couple:

On Merging the Finances

• The Wrong Approach: United we stand, divided we bank
• The Right Approach: It’s yours, mine and ours
On Dealing With Debt
• The Wrong Approach: Your debt will ruin us; you must find a way to pay
it off
• The Right Approach: It’s our debt: Let’s decide how to pay it off
On Keeping Spending in Check
• The Wrong Approach: I’m a saver and you’re a spender. That’s the problem
• The Right Approach: We both spend, but on different things. Let’s budget

44. Todorova, A. (n.d.). The Six Key Financial Mistakes Couples Make. Retrieved
from KeyBank: https://unclaimedmoneyaustralia.com.au/blog/six-financial-mistakes-
couples-make/

103
 On Investing Wisely
• The Wrong Approach: You’re a risk-taker, I’m risk-averse. Hands off our
retirement savings
• The Right Approach: Let’s think in time frames and take as much risk as
our goals allow
On Keeping Money Secrets
• The Wrong Approach: What my spouse doesn’t know will never hurt
him/her
• The Right Approach: Big financial secrets can ruin a marriage
On Emergency Planning
• The Wrong Approach: We’re fine. We don’t need to worry about money
• The Right Approach: Anything could happen. Let’s plan for emergencies

REMITTANCES

The Philippines is among the largest recipients of remittances from overseas Filipinos.
Despite being away from the Philippines, overseas Filipinos continue to send financial
support to their families back home. The motives behind remittances vary, but most
studies suggest it is out of altruism and a sense of duty to one’s family. As a new
immigrant, you may already have plans in the future of sending remittances to your
family or relatives. It thus becomes important that you familiarize yourself with safe
modes of sending money to the Philippines, and more importantly be assured that
your hard-earned money is put to good use.

What are the modes of sending remittances to the Philippines?

Formal vs. Informal Channels

Formal remittances refer to those, which enter through official banking channels and
other several types of financial transactions or services, including money transfers.
This also includes commercial and rural banks, cooperatives and credit unions.

Informal remittances include those money transfers, which occur through private,
unrecorded channels. Such private transfers include remittances brought home by
friends, relatives and even the migrant himself/herself.

104
Advantages and Disadvantages of Formal and Informal Channels:

Remittance Service
Advantages Disadvantages
Provider
Formal • Security • Far away from
• Reliability rural areas
• Privacy • Restricted hours
• Allows clients to build • Long lines
a credit history • High fees
• Operates within
banking laws
Informal • Access • Unsafe
• Proximity • Unsecure
• Speed

For reference on the different services of banks and non-bank remittance companies
in the Philippines, including branch locations and charges/fees, you may visit the
following online portal developed by the BSP: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/about/
advocacies_ofw.asp.

When deciding how to send remittances back home, the following factors should be
considered:

1. Accessibility both to the sending and the receiving parties

2. Transaction cost and transparency
3. Ease of use
4. Safety
5. Speed and Efficiency of Transfer

105
 How Remittances are Spent by Filipino Families Back Home

According to reports released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, in a survey conducted

in the fourth quarter of 2013, of 490 households that received OFW remittances:

• 96.1 percent households used remittances to purchase food

• 71.6 percent used remittances received to pay for education
• 62.7 percent households used remittances for medical payments
• 46.3 percent households used remittances received for debt payments
• 41.6 percent households allocated remittances for savings
• 11.2 percent households used remittances for investment

Some Sensible Tips

Managing your finances and preparing for you and your family’s future are tasks
you cannot do by yourself. Everyone in the family even those who remain in the
Philippines need to work together to reach your financial goals. Your dependents
must also be able to plan ahead, set limits in terms of spending and learn to live
within a budget.

Source: BSP Consumer

Expectations Survey. 4th Quarter
2013. http://www.bsp.gov.ph/
downloads/Publications/2013/
CES_4qtr2013.pdf

106
Make it a habit to discuss and agree as a family how much money to send home,
the frequency of remittance and where it will be spent on. It is also your duty as the
sender to keep track of your family’s expenses and how well they are doing in sticking
to your agreed financial plan.

As a start, we strongly suggest that you and your family take the exercises below to
have a good sense of how much of the household income is spent and how much
should be set aside regularly to attain the family’s financial goal.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR CREDIT SCORE BY

REQUESTING IT FROM THE FOLLOWING
AGENCIES:

Equifax (www.equifax.com)
Experian (www.experian.com)
TransUnion (www.transunion.com)

LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL

MANAGEMENT AS A COUPLE

Money Creashers
(http://www.moneycrashers.com/money-
management-newly-married-couples/ )

LEARN MORE ON HOW TO CALCULATE

COSTS OF SENDING REMITTANCES

World Bank
(http://remittanceprices.worldbank.org/en/corridor/
United-States/Philippines)

107
 Exercise 1.
Personal Income and Expense Tracker (PIET)
(For the Immigrant and Family Back Home)

Instructions: List down the corresponding amounts asked in each row. Follow the
formula to compute the total monthly income and monthly expenses. To get the Net
Income for the Month, subtract the total expenses from total monthly income.

INCOME / Other Sources DESCRIPTION AMOUNT (Php)

A Salary e.g. Monthly salary

B Sideline e.g. Extra income from second job

C Investment e.g. Business, mutual funds, etc.

D Remittance

E Other Income
TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME
TMIncome = (A+B+C+D) =
(TMIncome)
EXPENSES DESCRIPTION AMOUNT (Php)

(E1)

(E1)

(E1)

(E1)

(E1)

(E1)

(E1)
TOTAL MONTHLY
E=(E1+E2+E3+E4+E5+E6+E7...) =
EXPENSES (TMExpense)
NET INCOME FOR THE
NIMonthly=TMIncome-TMExpense = 0000000000000
MONTH (NIMonthly)

*The difference between the total income and expenses is the amount left for
savings. Ideally, your monthly savings should be equivalent to at least 20% of your
monthly income.

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Exercise 2.
80% EXPENSE VS. 20% SAVINGS
(For the Immigrant and Family Back Home)

Instructions: List down the corresponding amounts asked in each row. Follow the
formula to compute the total monthly income and monthly expenses. Add more
rows as needed to indicate other expenses not reflected in the table. Following the
ideal 80:20 ratio of expenses to savings, indicate 20% of the monthly income to be
set aside as savings in the income portion to arrive at the total amount of income
available for expenses/consumption. To get the Net Income for the Month, subtract
the total expenses from total monthly income.

AMOUNT
INCOME / Other Sources DESCRIPTION
(Php)
(A) Salary e.g. Monthly salary

(B) Sideline e.g. Extra income from second job

(C) Investment e.g. Business, mutual funds, etc.

(D) Remittance

(E ) Other Income
TOTAL MONTHLY
TMIncome = (A+B+C+D) =
INCOME (TMIncome)
SAVINGS FOR THE MONTH TMIncome x 0.20 =

AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR

TMIncome x 0.80 =
EXPENSES (AEexpense)

EXPENSES SubTotal E (E1+E2+E3+E4…..) =

(E1) Food e.g. Grocery, dine-out

(E2) House Rental

(E3) Electricity e.g. Meralco

(E4) Water e.g. Maynilad, local water dist.

(E5) Telephone Bills e.g. Landline, cellphone load

(E6) Gasoline e.g. Gas stove, car

(E7) Transportation e.g. Taxi, FX, Jeepney,etc.

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 (E8) Shoes and Clothes

(E9) Maintenance Cost e.g. Household repair

EDUCATION SubTotal F (F1+F2+F3) =

Tuition and school
(F1) e.g. school fees
fees
(F2) Books and supplies e.g. books and supplies expenses

(F3) Allowance e.g. allowance

LOAN INSTALLMENT PLANS SubTotal G ( G1+G2+G3+G4) =

(G1) Housing Loan e.g. Bank payments

(G2) Car Loan

(G3) Appliance Loan

(G4) Financial Loan e.g. Debt

INSURANCE SubTotal I ( I1 + I2)

(I1) Health Card

(I2) Life insurance

OPTIONAL EXPENSES SubTotal J (J1+J2+J3+J4+J5+…)

( J1) Movies

(J2 ) Gift

(J3) Magazines

TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES

TMExpense=(E+F+G+H+I+J)
(TMExpense)

NET INCOME FOR THE NIMonthly = TMIncome -

MONTH (NIMonthly) TMExpense

*By immediately setting aside 20% of your income as savings, you and your family/
dependents could exercise control over how much can be spent for daily necessities
and occasional splurges.
Republic Act 10590 or the Overseas Voting Act of 2013 provides a way for overseas
Filipinos to be stakeholders on issues affecting the nation by allowing them to vote

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 6
This chapter aims to highlight the value of maintaining
ties with the Philippines, despite living and working
miles away. It is vital that our special affinity and love
for our motherland is kept alive and passed on to the
next generation of Filipinos, who will be born and
molded outside of the Philippines. This ensures that
the Filipino culture lives on. Time-honored traditions
should be continued and celebrated, like Filipino fiestas,
simbang gabi during the Christmas season, regular family
gatherings, paying respects to our elders, saying “po” and
“opo”, etc. This way, the spirit of bayanihan, as well as
love for family and country is sustained and nurtured.
Outlined in this chapter are:
Strengthening Ties
Maintaining and

• Overseas Voting
• Dual Citizenship
• CFO Initiatives: LINKAPIL and BalinkBayan Portal

with the Philippines

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 OVERSEAS VOTING

in absentia in national elections i.e. in the election of the President, Vice President,
Senators, and Party-List Representatives.

Who is qualified to vote?

All Filipino citizens, if not otherwise disqualified by law, who are at least 18 years of
age on the day of the election, and who are registered overseas absentee voters with
approved application to vote in absentia.

With the amended law, Filipino immigrants abroad will no longer need to execute
an affidavit stating that you will need to return to the Philippines within three years
before you are allowed to vote in absentia.

Where can I find more information?

For details on the Overseas Voting, you may visit the following websites:

1. 
Commission on Elections
http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=AboutCOMELEC/OverseasAbsenteeVoting
2. Dept. of Foreign Affairs – Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat
http://dfa-oavs.gov.ph

Republic Act 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 allows
natural born Filipinos to reacquire their Philippine citizenship, thus, according them

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DUAL CITIZENSHIP

with the same rights as regular Filipinos.

Who are natural born Filipinos?

Natural-born citizens of the Philippines are citizens of the Philippines from birth
without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Filipino citizenship.

These are:
• Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines at the time of
their birth; and
• Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine
citizenship upon reaching the age of majority.

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 How does one re-acquire Filipino citizenship?

A natural-born Filipino, who lost his/her Filipino citizenship through naturalization in

another country may re-acquire Filipino citizenship through the following process:

FOR APPLICATIONS FILED OVERSEAS

Applicant files petition and submits requirements to

Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction.

Post assigns an evaluating officer to evaluate the application

Has the applicant complied with all the requirements?

YES NO

Evaluating officer Evaluating officer notifies

forwards recommendation applicant to comply with
to Consul General requirements within 30 days

The Consul General issues an Applicant submits

Order of Approval within 5 days additional requirements
and transmits all requirements to the evaluating officer
to the Bureau of Immigarion

The BI issues Identification

Certificate and cancels the Consul General or a duly
applicant’s Alien Certificate of commissioned foreign service
Registration if the applicant is officer of the Post administers
a BI registered alien the Oath of Allegiance

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 FOR APPLICATIONS FILED IN THE PHILIPPINES

Applicant files petition and submits requirements to the Bureau of Immigration (BI)

BI assigns an evaluating officer to evaluate the application

Has the applicant complied with all the requirements?

YES NO

Evaluating officer forwards Evaluating officer notifies

recommendation to applicant to comply with
Commissioner of Immigration requirements within 30 days

The Commissioner of Applicant submits

Immigration issues an Order of additional requirements
Approval within 5 days, issues to the evaluating officer
an Identification Certificate
and directs the Alien
Registration Division to cancel
applicant’s Alien Certificate of
Registration if the applicant is
a BI registered alien

Any officer authorized under

Commissioner of existing laws administers the
Immigration administers Oath of Allegiance
the Oath of Allegiance

Applicant submits the Oath

of Allegiance to the BI

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 What are the requirements?

1. Duly accomplished application form, available at the Philippine Embassy or

Consulates General in the US. You may check the downloadable forms section
at the Embassy/Consulate website.
2. Four to six (4-6) pieces of recently taken 2x2 photos, with royal blue background
and collar
3. Certificate of Naturalization
4. US Passport
5. Old Philippine passport or birth certificate on NSO Security Paper
6. Notarized affidavit of Change of name (if name is different from birth certificate)
7. Report of Marriage signed by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate with
jurisdiction over place where marriage was celebrated (if applicant’s marriage
was celebrated outside the Philippines)
8. Marriage contract printed on NSO security paper (if marriage was celebrated
in the Philippines)
9. Report of birth (if applicant was born abroad)
10. Application fee of USD 50.

Does one need to reside in the Philippines to re-acquire the Filipino citizenship?

Residency in the Philippines is not a requirement for those who re-acquire

Filipino citizenship.

What rights and privileges is one entitled to on re-acquiring Filipino citizenship?

Filipinos who re-acquire Filipino citizenship under this Act enjoy full civil, economic
and political rights under existing laws of the Philippines. Among these are:

• Right to own real property in the Philippines

• Right to engage in business or commerce as a Filipino
• Right to practice one’s profession in accordance with law
• Right to acquire a Philippine passport
• Right to vote in Philippine elections under existing laws
• Other rights and privileges enjoyed by Filipino citizens

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If I re-acquire my Filipino citizenship, can I vote in elections in the Philippines?

A person who re-acquires Filipino citizenship may vote in elections in the Philippines
provided that he/she complies with the residency requirement under existing
Philippine election laws. The person may however, vote overseas in Philippine national
elections (for President, Vice-President, Senators and sectoral representatives) in
accordance with the provisions of the Overseas Voting Act of 2013. The Philippine
Supreme Court also ruled in 2006 that the dual citizens need not establish residence
in the Philippines to be able to register as an absentee voter.

For more information on the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003,
please visit the CFO website or http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_co
ntent&view=article&id=1362%3Adual-citizenship&catid=145%3Aintegration-and-
reintegration&Itemid=833.

CFO INITIATIVES

BaLinkBayan Online Portal

One of CFO’s initiatives is the BaLinkBayan Portal (www.balinkbayan.gov.ph) –

the overseas Filipino’s one-stop online portal for Diaspora engagement. This
comprehensive online guide aims to be a link for overseas Filipinos who want to
engage in nation-building through the Diaspora to Development or D2D program of
the CFO. It contains a menu for engagement in the development of the Philippines
either through investment, donation, or volunteerism. The site also has interactive
maps that will help you find possible investments by browsing through products
and product profiles of selected provinces and municipalities in the Philippine, and
guide maps on where you can donate funds towards classroom construction or join/
conduct medical missions.

When you register with BaLinkBayan, you can also have online access to government
services such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG so you can
update or re-activate your accounts at the convenience of your home.

As the BaLinkBayan slogan goes, “Magbalik-bayanihan tayo!”. Let’s work together

towards helping the Philippines become a better nation.

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120
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 Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Program

CFO has also institutionalized the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) or Link for
Philippine Development Program to facilitate assistance from overseas Filipinos to
deserving communities and beneficiaries in the Philippines. Conceptualized in 1990,
LINKAPIL provides a means for overseas Filipinos to reach out and transfer various
forms of development assistance through education, livelihood, health and welfare,
infrastructure and transfer of skills and technology.

Since its creation, it has channeled more than PHP2 billion cash and in-kind
assistance, which has benefitted more than 15 million individuals in 81 provinces in
the Philippines.

Some of the activities undertaken under the LINKAPIL are as follows:

1. Provision of funds/capital for micro to small-scale livelihood programs

2. Feeding for malnourished and undernourished children under the age of 6
3. Scholarship grants to deserving indigent students
4. Donation of educational materials, such as computers and books
5. Construction of additional classroom buildings in schools with shortages
6. Assistance to medical mission teams
7. Donation of medicine and medical equipment and supplies
8. Construction of water systems

It is noteworthy that there is no shortage of care and willingness to help from Filipinos
around the world whenever the Philippines is hit by natural calamity. This influx of
assistance highlights that the bayanihan spirit is innate in us Filipinos. Never has
this outpouring of support been more evident than the aftermath of disasters, such
as the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, the Baguio earthquake, typhoons Reming, Milenyo,
Sendong, Ondoy, and more recently super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

More than the money you give or the relief goods sent home, overseas Filipinos
like you play an important role in helping the survivors get back on their feet by
caring for them as though they were your own family. By supporting initiatives of the
government and also non-government organizations throughout the Philippines, you
can sustain and strengthen that link with your kababayans back home.

To learn more and donate through LINKAPIL, you may visit http://www.cfo-linkapil.
org.ph.

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A nnexes
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7
 An Overview of the Nonimmigrant Visa Process
What is a nonimmigrant visa?
A nonimmigrant visa is a U.S. government document that permits individuals who
travel to the United States to request entry for a particular purpose; for example, to
work or to study.

The nonimmigrant visa process involves two important steps:

• Applying for the visa at the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate abroad;
and
• Presenting the visa to an immigration inspector at a U.S. port of entry.

What are the important parts of my documentation?

1. The visa. It is located in your passport and shows your picture and visa
expiration date. If your visa expires, you cannot reenter the United States on
that visa until it is renewed.
• If you have an employment-based
visa, the visa will include the name
of the employer who is sponsoring TIP:
Before you travel to the United States,
you to work in the United States.
make two copies of all important
• Your temporary work visa does not documentation, especially your pass-
give you permission to work for port (with visa), your contract, and your
any employer that you choose— identity documents. Give one set of these
it is permission to work only for copies to someone you trust in your home
the employer listed on your visa country. When you arrive in the United
application. In rare cases, it may States and receive an I-94, make one copy
be possible to change employers. of the I-94 in case you lose the original.
Keep these docu- ments in a safe place.
• This does not mean you have
to continue to work for your
employer if the employer is
abusing or exploiting you.

2. The I-94 Card. This is a white card provided to you when you enter the United
States. Your I-94 card shows the period of time that you are allowed to remain
in the United States. Do not lose this card!

Your Workplace Rights in the United States

There are several protections that are specific to the type of visa you receive. These
are outlined below by visa category.

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A-3, G-5, and B-1 domestic employee visas TIP:
• If you work for a diplomat (A-3 visa) or a Once you arrive in the U.S.,
representative of an international organization keep your passport and
(G-5 visa), or if you are a domestic employee other travel documents
in a safe place where you
holding a B-1 visa, your employer must provide
can access it at all times! It
you with an employment contract that complies is illegal for your employer
with U.S. law. to take your passport away
• The contract must include the following from you!
provisions:
–– An agreement by your employer not to
keep your passport, employment contract,
or other personal property from you;
–– An agreement by your employer to abide by all laws in the United States;
–– An explanation of how much you will be paid for your work, as well as
how frequently you will be paid; and
–– A description of your work duties, weekly work hours, holidays, sick
days, and vacation days.
• Make sure that you understand the terms of the contract. If you cannot
understand the language in which the contract is written, ask someone you
trust to read the contract to you in a language that you understand. Do not
sign anything that you do not understand!
• When you apply for the visa, a U.S. Consular Officer will meet with you and
confirm that your contract complies with U.S. law. Do not hesitate to ask the
U.S. Consular Officer any questions. Your employer is not supposed to be
present when you meet with the Consular Officer.
• If you sign a contract that violates your rights, or if your employer does not do
what the contract says, call the hotlines listed in this pamphlet immediately.
They can help you find a lawyer who can help explain your rights in this
situation.

H-1B and H-1B1 visas for performing services in specialty occupations

• If you are coming to the United States to perform services in a specialty
occupation or as a fashion model, please refer to www.Travel.State.gov for
more information regarding your rights and ability to change employers.

H-2A temporary agricultural worker visas

• If you are a temporary agricultural worker, you must receive a written
description of the terms of your employment no later than the first day of
work. This document must contain detailed information about the benefits,
wages, housing, work duration, and transportation benefits that your
employer will provide.

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 • You are entitled to payment at or above a wage that is set by the government.
This rate applies whether you are paid hourly or by piece rate.
• You do not have to pay either U.S. social security taxes or fees to a labor
recruiter in your home country.
• Your employer must provide clean and safe housing at no charge.
• Your employer must reimburse you for transportation costs from your country
to your place of employment, but only after you complete half the contract
period; and your employer must pay for your return transportation costs for
your trip home after completion of the contract.
• You are entitled to guaranteed work for at least 3/4 of the number of workdays
stated as the contract period unless you are displaced by a U.S. worker during
the first half of the contract period.

H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker visas

• If you are a temporary non-agricultural worker, you are entitled to payment
at or above the prevailing wage, which will be at least the federal, state, or
local legal minimum wage, but may be higher. This rate applies whether you
are paid hourly or by piece rate.
• Your employer must provide return transportation costs for your trip home
if your work ends or you are dismissed for business reasons unrelated to job
performance before the end of your contract.
• You are usually entitled to terms and conditions of employment that are
normal for similarly employed U.S. workers in the area.
• You should never have to pay fees to a labor recruiter in your home country.

J1 exchange visitor visas

• Unless your exchange program is sponsored by the Federal government, the
program must be a minimum of three weeks duration. The Form DS-2019,
the basic document required to apply for a J visa, reflects the category of
exchange and the program dates. Depending on the category of exchange,
there may be other documents and/or contracts which cover the terms of
your exchange program.
• Your sponsor’s advertisements must be accurate and explain all costs,
conditions, and restrictions of the exchange program. Your sponsor must also
give you an orientation and provide you with information about:
–– the J-1 program and a description of the specific program in which you
are participating and its rules;
–– travel and entry into the United States;
–– housing;
–– fees, and costs, including living expenses, healthcare, and insurance
costs;
–– life and customs in the United States;

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 –– local resources;
–– your sponsor’s address and the name and phone number of the person
responsible for you in the United States;
–– contact information for the Exchange Visitor Program Services of the
Department of State; and
–– The Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program brochure;
• If you are entering on a Summer Work Travel program and do not have pre-
placed employment, your sponsor must assist you in locating employment if
you have not found employment within the first week following your arrival,
and insure that you receive pay and benefits commensurate with those
offered to your American counterparts.
• If your J-1 visa is for a training and internship program:
–– Your sponsor must interview you in person, by telephone or by web
camera;
–– Your sponsor must have a Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form
DS-7002) in place before your visa paperwork is submitted. This Form
includes a written statement of any stipend you will be paid, and a
summary of the training objectives of the program.
–– Your sponsor must give you a written statement of the costs and fees
you will have to pay, and an estimate of living expenses in the United
States.
–– Your training/internship must be at lease 32 hours per week; and
–– If your training/internship is in agriculture, your working conditions and
wages must meet strict federal requirements for agricultural workers.
• Your sponsor must assure that you have medical insurance coverage, though
your sponsor need not provide or pay for this coverage.
• If you work in the United States, you should apply for and receive your own
Social Security number, and your employer must report all tax withholdings
using this number.
• If you are bringing your spouse or minor children with you on a J-2 visa,
they may apply for work authorization only if the income is not necessary to
support you.

For more information on visa categories and U.S. entry procedures, see the Web site
of the U.S. Department of State: www.Travel.State.gov

Your Rights Regardless of Visa Status

There are also many rights you have regardless of your visa status. If any of these
rights are violated, you can report the violations to a government enforcement

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 agency. In most cases, you can also bring a lawsuit to attempt to recover your losses,
without fear of being punished.

1. Your Right Not to Be Retaliated Against

• It is unlawful for your employer to try to punish you, for example, by
threatening to report you to immigration or the police if you try to
enforce your rights! If your employer threatens you at any time, seek help
immediately. Remember, your safety comes first!

2. The Right to Be Paid

• You have the right to get paid for all work you do, in the same manner as
U.S. workers.
• You have the right to earn at least the federal legal minimum wage $6.55
per hour, and $7.25 per hour starting on July 24, 2009, in the same manner
as U.S. workers. Also check
–– The minimum wage for the state in which you work. If that wage is
higher, you have the right to be paid the higher amount.
–– Your employment contract, which may obligate your employer to pay a
higher amount.
• Most workers in the United States are
entitled to overtime pay of one and a half TIP:
times the amount of their wage for any Make sure to keep a written
hours worked over 40 hours per week. For record of all the time that
you work. Get a notebook and
example, if your regular wage rate is $10
write down all of the days and
per hour, your employer may be required hours that you worked, how
to pay you $15 for each hour you work much you were paid, the days
above 40 hours in a single week. you received a payment, any
• If your employer takes money from your deductions taken from your
paycheck, this is called a deduction. Many paycheck, and the reasons for
deductions are illegal if they diminish your those deductions.
legal wage rate. For example, an employer
usually may not deduct for housing (with
• some visa classifications, housing must be provided free of charge), most
uniforms, safety equipment, or recruitment fees.

3. Your Right Not to be Discriminated Against

• As an employee, you have the right to not be treated differently or badly
at work because of your gender, race, national origin, color, religion, or
disability.
• Your employer should pay the same amount to each worker for the same
work and offer each worker the same job opportunities no matter what the
worker’s gender, race, national origin, color, religion, or disability.

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 • Your employer can’t make you speak only in English at work unless there is
an important business reason to require English.

4. Your Rights as a Woman Worker

• Your employer MAY NOT treat you differently or badly because you are a
woman or you are pregnant – this is sex discrimination. Whether you are a
woman or a man, your employer MAY NOT sexually harass you. Your
employer should never:
–– Demand that you perform sex acts;
–– Touch you in a sexual manner; or TIP:
–– Say or yell sexual or offensive comments. Keep a detailed record
of every inappropriate
5. Your Right to a Healthy and Safe Workplace comment and/or action
• All employees have a right to safe and clean your employer takes
against you and write
working conditions:
down the names and
–– Housing: If your employer provides housing, phone numbers of any
it should be clean, safe, and in a sturdy witnesses.
structure.
–– Bathrooms: Bathrooms should be clean and
accessible.
–– Potable Water: If you work in agriculture, in most cases, you have the
right to receive clean water to drink and to wash your hands.
–– Illness or Injury on the Job: If you are injured or get sick at work you
may seek medical treatment. In most cases, you will receive free medical
treatment and part of the wages lost while injured.
• If you are working with or around pesticides or dangerous chemicals:
–– You have a right to wash your hands in clean water after handling the
pesticides/chemicals. You are entitled to training on pesticide safety
during the first 5 days of work.
–– Your employer must tell you where and when pesticides were sprayed to
avoid accidental exposures. Workers and others must not be in an area
where pesticides are being applied.
–– If you mix or apply pesticides that require
CAUTION!
you to use protective equipment (like
Your employer cannot force
coveralls or a mask or respirator), your you to do something or go
employer must give you equipment that is somewhere, even back
clean and in good condition. to your home country, by
• Medical Emergencies: In the case of withholding your pay.
an emergency, call 911 and ask for an
ambulance.
–– Your expenses may be paid for, so you should tell your employer as soon
as possible so the employer can file the necessary paperwork.

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 –– When you are at the doctor or clinic, ask for copies of the paperwork
regarding your illness or injury.

6. Your Right to Join a Union and Bargain Collectively

• With few exceptions, all workers in the United States have a right to form
and join a union, regardless of their immigration status under federal law.
Your employer cannot take action against you for doing so. This means you
can:
–– Join with other workers to improve wages and working conditions;
–– Attend public speeches, rallies, and demonstrations; and
–– Join a union or other worker organization.

7. Your Right to More Protections Under State Law

• Call the hotlines listed in this pamphlet for a referral to organizations that
can tell you about your rights in the state where you are working.

8. Your Right to Leave an Abusive Employment Situation

• You do not have to stay in your job if your employer is abusing you.
• But, if you came to the United States on an employment-based visa and
you leave your employer, your visa status will
no longer be valid. However, depending on
TIP:
the type of visa you have, you may be able to You have rights in the United
change visa categories or employers. You States and no one can take
may also be able to remain in the United those rights away from
States legally to pursue a legal claim. you. There are hundreds of
• You may also make a formal complaint or file organizations that can help.
a lawsuit against your employer while you Don’t be afraid to ask for
are still working. There are severe penalties help to protect your rights.
for an employer who tries to punish workers
because they pursue their rights.
• If you are experiencing problems with your current employer, contact the
hotlines listed in this pamphlet. They will be able to connect you with a
local organization that can speak with you about your options.

Human Trafficking
1. What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is among the most terrible workplace abuses that an individual
in the United States could encounter. Human trafficking occurs whenever a person
is recruited, transported, or kept against his or her will for purposes of exploitation.

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For a full definition of human trafficking, please see www.state.gov/g/tip (see
Legislation—Trafficking Victims Protection Act). The following are some warning
signs that may indicate human trafficking:

Threats and Fear:

Employers, and people who help employers, may use threats and other intimidating
acts to make you and other workers feel too afraid to try to leave. For example:
• Beatings, physical abuse, or sexual abuse;
• Threats of beatings, physical abuse, or sexual abuse;
• Locking in or restraining a worker;
• Threats of harm to the worker or the worker’s family if the worker tries to
leave, complain of mistreatment, report the situation to authorities, or seek
help;
• Threats of being deported or arrested, or of being turned over to police for
trying to leave, complain, report, or seek help for the worker’s situation;
• The employer, or someone working with the employer, has harmed or
threatened other workers who have tried to leave, complain, report, or seek
help; or makes threats that any worker who tries to escape will be found and
brought back.

Rules and Controls:

Employers, and people who help them, may use rules and controls to make it harder
for you and other workers to leave, complain about mistreatment, or seek help. For
example:
• Rules against leaving the workplace, or strict rules about where you can go
when not working;
• Rules against holding onto your own passport, visa, birth certification, or
other identification documents;
• Denial of adequate food, sleep, or medical care; or
• Preventing or restricting you from communicating freely with family, other
workers, or others outside the workplace.
TIP:
Deception and Lies:
Before leaving for the United
Employers, and people who help them, may also States, talk with migrant worker
use deception and lies. For example: organizations or former migrant
• False promises about working conditions, workers for names and numbers
living conditions, or pay; of persons or organizations you
• Telling you that you have no rights; can contact if you have problems
• Telling you that you will not be believed if or questions when you are in the
you try to seek help; and United States.
• Instructing you to lie about their identity.

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 2. What should I do if these things are happening to me?
• If any one of these things is happening to you or you are in a dangerous
situation, get help immediately by calling 911, the National Human Trafficking
Resource Center (1-888-373-7888), or the Trafficking in Persons and Worker
Exploitation Task Force Complaint Line (1-888-428-7581). They can help refer
you to a local organization that help victims of human trafficking in your area.
• If you are in physical danger, you should call 911 to reach the Police. If you
call the police, show them this pamphlet and tell them about the abuse that
you have suffered.

3. Will I be deported if I report the abuse?

There are programs to protect people who report abuse. You should not be afraid
to seek help even if you have immigration concerns. You should consult with an
immigration attorney who does not work for your employer. The hotline can help
you find someone to consult.
• If you believe you may be a victim of human trafficking or of another serious
crime, including rape or sexual assault, you may be entitled to a different
nonimmigrant visa, like a T visa (for trafficking victims) or a U visa (for victims
of other serious crimes). These visas were created to provide protection for
certain crime victims worried about their immigration status. Many people
are unfamiliar with these visas and you may need to tell people assisting you
about them.

4. What services are available for victims of human trafficking?

• If you are a victim of trafficking in the United States, you may be eligible for
benefits, services, and immigration remedies under federal or state programs.
• Many organizations can help you access these services, which include medical
care, mental health care, housing, dental care, legal advocacy for immigration
and other legal needs, employment assistance, and public benefits.

Know Your Rights

Call one of the hotlines listed in this pamphlet if you need help

You are receiving this pamphlet because you have applied for a nonimmigrant visa
to work or study temporarily in the United States. The purpose of this pamphlet is to
help you understand your rights when you arrive in the United States. Even though
you will be living in the United States only temporarily, you will still have many of the
basic workplace rights that U.S. citizens and residents have.

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This pamphlet gives an overview of your basic workplace rights. Understanding your
rights will help you to protect yourself from abuse. Keep this pamphlet with you in
the United States in case you need to reach someone for help.

This pamphlet was also created to help you protect yourself against the most serious
abuses, such as human trafficking. Human trafficking is a form of modern- day
slavery where an employer or other individual, through physical or psychological
abuse, causes an individual to feel that he or she is not free to leave the situation.
Recognizing that you are in an abusive employment situation is the first step
toward getting help.

If you arrive in the United States and have problems at work, you should seek help
immediately. Do not believe your employer if he or she says that you do not have
legal rights in the United States. Do not accept legal advice from your employer,
contractor, or recruiter. Only an attorney representing you should give you legal
advice.

If you believe your rights are being violated, the hotlines listed in this pamphlet can
help you reach local organizations that can provide further assistance. Do not be
afraid to contact these organizations! They are here to help you.

If you are mistreated or your rights are violated,

call these toll-free numbers:

National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s 24

Hour Toll-Free Hotline 1-888-373-7888
(Run by a non-governmental organization)

Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation

Task Force Complaint Line 1-888-428-7581
(Monday — Friday, 9am-5pm Eastern Time)
(Run by the U.S. Department of Justice)

If you are in immediate physical danger, Call 911

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 Information on the Legal Rights Available to Immigrant Victims of
Domestic Violence in the United States and Facts about Immigrating
on a Marriage-Based Visa

Purpose:

Immigrants are particularly vulnerable because many do not speak English, are often
separated from family and friends, and may not understand the laws of the United
States. For these reasons, immigrants are often afraid to report acts of domestic
violence to the police or to seek other forms of assistance. Such fear causes many
immigrants to remain in abusive relationships.

This pamphlet will explain domestic violence and inform you of your legal rights in
the United States. The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) requires
that the U.S. Government provide foreign fiancé(e)s and spouses immigrating to the
United States information about their legal rights as well as criminal or domestic
violence histories of their U.S. citizen fiancé(e)s and spouses. One of IMBRA’s goals
is to provide accurate information to immigrating fiancé(e)s and spouses about the
immigration process and how to access help if their relationship becomes abusive.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior when one intimate partner or spouse

threatens or abuses the other partner. Abuse may include physical harm, forced
sexual relations, emotional manipulation (including isolation or intimidation),
economic and/or immigration related threats. While most recorded incidents of
domestic violence involve men abusing women or children, men can also be victims
of domestic violence.

Domestic violence may include sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes.
Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, even with your
spouse, and can be committed by anyone. Child abuse includes: physical abuse (any
injury that does not happen by accident, including excessive punishment), physical
neglect (failure to provide food, shelter, medical care or supervision), sexual abuse,
and emotional abuse (threats, withholding love, support or guidance).

Under all circumstances, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse are
illegal in the United States. All people in the United States (regardless of race, color,
religion, sex, age, ethnicity, or immigration status) are guaranteed protection from
abuse under the law. Any victim of domestic violence—regardless of immigration or

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citizenship status—can seek help. An immigrant victim of domestic violence may be
eligible for immigration protections.

If you are experiencing domestic violence in your home, you are not alone. This
pamphlet is intended to help you understand U.S. laws and know how to get help
if you need it.

What are the legal rights for victims of domestic violence in the United States?

All people in the United States, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, are
guaranteed basic protections under both civil and criminal law. Laws governing
families provide you with:
• The right to obtain a protection order for you and your child(ren).
• The right to legal separation or divorce without the consent of your spouse.
• The right to share certain marital property. In cases of divorce, the court will
divide any property or financial assets you and your spouse have together.
• The right to ask for custody of your child(ren) and financial support. Parents
of children under the age of 21 often are required to pay child support for any
child not living with them.

Consult a family lawyer who works with immigrants to discuss how any of these
family law options may affect or assist you.

Under U.S. law any crime victim, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, can
call the police for help or obtain a protection order.

Call police at 911 if you or your child(ren) are in danger. The police may arrest
your fiancé(e), spouse, partner, or another person if they believe that person has
committed a crime. You should tell the police about any abuse that has happened,
even in the past, and show any injuries. Anyone, regardless of immigration or
citizenship status, may report a crime.

Likewise, if you are a victim of domestic violence you can apply to a court for a
protection order. A court-issued protection order or restraining order may prohibit
your abuser from calling, contacting, approaching, or harming you, your child(ren),
or other family members. If your abuser violates the protection order, you can
contact the police, who may arrest the abuser. Applications for protection orders are
available at most courthouses, police stations, women’s shelters, and legal service
offices.

If your abuser accuses you of a crime, you have basic rights, regardless of your
immigration or citizenship status, including: the right to talk to a lawyer; the right to

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 not answer questions without a lawyer present; the right to speak in your defense. It
is important to talk with both an immigration lawyer and a criminal lawyer.

What services are available to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in
the United States?

In the United States, victims of crime, regardless of immigration or citizenship status,

can access help provided by government or nongovernmental agencies, which may
include counseling, interpreters, emergency housing, and even monetary assistance.

The national telephone numbers or “hotlines” listed below have operators trained
to help victims 24 hours a day free of charge. Interpreters are available and these
numbers can connect you with other free services for victims in your local area,
including emergency housing, medical care, counseling, and legal advice. If you
cannot afford to pay a lawyer you may qualify for a free or low-cost legal aid program
for immigrant crime or domestic violence victims.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
www.ndvh.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
(RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
www.rainn.org

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
www.missingkids.com

The National Center for Victims of Crime

1-800-FYI-CALL ( 1-800-394-2255)
1-800-211-7996 (TTY)
www.ncve.org

NOTE: These are organizations whose primary mission is safety and protection.

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If I am a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other crime, what
immigration options are available to me?

There are three ways immigrants who become victims of domestic violence, sexual
assault, and some other specific crimes may apply for legal immigration status for
themselves and their child(ren). A victim’s application is confidential and no one,
including an abuser, crime perpetrator or family member, will be told that you
applied.

• Self-petitions for legal status under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
• Cancellation of removal under VAWA
• U-nonimmigrant status (crime victims)

These immigration benefits each have specific requirements that must be established.
Consult an immigration lawyer who works with victims of domestic violence to
discuss how any of these immigration benefits may affect or assist you.

How does the marriage-based immigration process work?

The marriage-based immigration process involves several steps to obtain legal

immigration status in the United States, and over time, to be eligible for citizenship.
These steps depend on the type of marriage-based visa you travel on to the United
States, as well as other factors. The following information is an overview of some of
these types of visas, as well as information on your legal rights.

K-1 nonimmigrant status (as the fiancé(e) of a United States citizen): You are required
to either marry the United States citizen within 90 days of entry or to depart the
United States. Following your marriage to the U.S. citizen fiancé(e) who petitioned
for you, you must file an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust
Status (Form 1-485). If your Form I-485 is approved, your status will be adjusted from
a K nonimmigrant to that of a conditional permanent resident. You will have that
conditional status for two years.

If you remain in the U.S. without marrying the U.S. citizen who sponsored your K-1
visa, or marry someone else, you will violate the terms of your visa, have no legal
status, and may be subject to removal proceedings or other penalties.

K-3 nonimmigrant status (as the spouse of a United States citizen): You are allowed to
enter the United States temporarily while waiting for approval ofa family-based visa
petition (I-130). Once the I-130 is approved, you are entitled to lawful permanent
residence (green card) and will need to file an Application to Register Permanent
Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485).

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 All other marriage-based immigration status holders should refer to the information
given to them from the U.S. consulate. Additional information may be found online
at http://www.uscis.gov.

What are the penalties for marriage fraud?

Immigrants who commit marriage fraud may be subject to removal proceedings

and may be barred from receiving future immigration benefits in the United States.
Conviction for marriage fraud can involve imprisonment for up to five (5) years and
fines up to $250,000 (U.S. currency).

If l am married to a U.S. citizen who filed immigration papers on my behalf, what

is my immigration status?

If you have been married less than 2 years when your Form I-485 is approved, you
will receive conditional residence status from USCIS. Ninety (90) days before the
second anniversary of your conditional residence, you and your spouse generally
must apply together to remove the conditions on your lawful residence. To do so,
you must prove the marriage is in “good faith” and valid. Once the conditions are
removed, you have permanent residency that is not dependent on your U.S. spouse.

If you have been married more than 2 years when your Form J-485 is approved, you
will receive permanent residence status from USCIS. On that date you will no longer
be dependent on your US citizen spouse for immigration status.

There are three situations when the law allows conditional residents the option to
request a waiver of the requirement that you and your spouse file jointly to request
removal of the conditions. 1) The removal of the conditional resident from the U.S.
would result in extreme hardship; 2) The marriage was legally terminated, other than
by death, and the applicant was not at fault for failing to file a timely application to
remove the conditional basis of his or her status; or 3) During the marriage the U.S.
citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse subjected the conditional resident to
battery or extreme cruelty. All three waivers are filed on Form I-751 and require you
to prove your marriage was in “good faith” and not fraudulent.

What other ways does the U.S. government try to inform foreign fiancées and
spouses about their rights and protect them and their children from abuse?

The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA) is a law in the
United States that changed the marriage-based immigration process to help foreign
fiancé(e)s and spouses. IMBRA mandates that the U.S. Government give immigrating
foreign fiancé(e)s and spouses information and self-help tools to help protect them

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against violence from the partners who sponsor their visas. Immigrating fiancé(e)s
and spouses are often unfamiliar with the US laws and unsupported by family or
friends to escape violence at home.

IMBRA required this pamphlet be written and distributed to tell you about laws and
services that can help you in the United States if you are abused. IMBRA prevents US
citizens from sponsoring multiple visas for foreign fiancé(e)s if they have a history
of violent crimes. IMBRA requires the US government to give foreign fiancé(e)s and
spouses of US citizens a copy of the criminal background check that USCIS does on US
citizen-sponsors, as well as a copy of the visa sponsorship application.

How does the U.S. government regulate “International Marriage Brokers”?

If an agency qualifies as an “international marriage broker,” it is required to give

you background information on the U.S. client who wants to contact you, including
information contained in Federal and State sex offender public registries, and get
your written permission before giving the U.S. client your contact information. The
agency is required to give you a copy of this pamphlet. It is prohibited from doing
business with you if you are under 18 years of age.

Can I rely on the criminal background information on my U.S. citizen fiancée or

spouse?

The criminal background information compiled by the agency comes from

various public sources, as well as information provided by the U.S. citizen clients
on immigration applications. USCIS does not have access to all criminal history
databases in the United States. The U.S. citizen sponsor may not tell the truth in the
sponsorship application. It is also possible the U.S. citizen has a history of abusive
behavior but was never arrested or convicted. Therefore, the criminal background
information you receive may not be complete. The intent of IMBRA is to provide
available information and resources to immigrating fiancé(s) and spouses. Ultimately
you are responsible for deciding whether you feel safe in the relationship.

Can foreign fiancées or spouses who are victims of domestic violence also be
victims of human trafficking?

Other forms of exploitation including human trafficking can sometimes occur

alongside domestic violence, when the exploitation involves compelled or coerced
labor, services, or commercial sex acts.

Help regarding human trafficking may be found at:

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 National Human Trafficking Resource Center
1-888-373-7888 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking

Human Trafficking and Worker Exploitation Task Force Hotline, U.S. Department
of Justice
1-888-428-7581 (Monday - Friday, 9am to Spm)
www.usdoj.gov/crt/crim/tpwetf.php

More information can be found at our website or by calling the toll free number
listed below.

USCIS General Information

In the United States, telephone toll free to: 1-800-870-3676 or visit our website at:
http://www.uscis.gov

Mga impormasyon ayon sa Batas tungkol sa Mga Karapatan ng mga

Immigrant na Biktima ng Pagmamaltratong nangyayari sa kanilang
tahanan sa Estados Unidos at Mga Impormasyon tungkol sa Bisa
para sa Pag-iimigrate batay sa Pagpapakasal

Layunin:

Ang mga immigrant ang madalas na nagiging biktima dahil ang karamihan sa kanila
ay hindi marunong mag-Ingles, malimit na nahihiwalay sa kanilang mga pamilya at
mga kaibigan, at maaaring hindi nila naiintindihan ang mga batas ng Estados Unidos.
Sa mga dahilang ito, ang mga immigrant ay malimit na natatakot isumbong sa pulis
ang mga ginagawang pagmamalupit sa kanila sa kanilang tahanan. At natatakot ring
maghanap ng iba pang klaseng paraan at ng makakatulong sa kanilang problema.
Ang ganitong pagkatakot ang dahilan kung bakit maraming immigrant ang nagtitiis na
lamang sa mga ganitong mahirap at masakit na pakikipagrelasyon.

Ipaliliwanag nitong pamphlet na ito kung ano ang tinatawag na domestic violence at
mga kalupitang nangyayari sa inyong tahanan, at ipababatid sa inyo ang inyong mga

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karapatan ayon sa batas sa Estados Unidos. Ipinag-uutos ng International Marriage
Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) na bigyan ng Pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos ang
mga fiance(e) at mga asawa na mula sa ibang bansa na nag-iimigrate sa Estados
Unidos, ng impormasyon tungkol sa kanilang mga karapatan ayon sa batas pati ng
mga kasaysayang kriminal o domestic violence ng mga fiance(e) at mga asawa nilang
mamamayan ng Estados Unidos. Ang isa sa mga layunin ng IMBRA ay bigyan ang
mga nag-iimigrate na mga fiance(e) at mga asawa ng wastong impormasyon tungkol
sa mga hakbang para sa pag-iimigrate at kung paano makakahingi ng tulong kung
maging mahirap at kung sila’y masaktan sa kanilang pakikipagrelasyon.

Ano ang ibig sabihin ng domestic violence?

Ito’y pauli-ulit na pagbabanta, pang-aabuso o pananakit sa isang katalik na partner o

asawa ng kanyang partner. Kabilang sa pang-aabusoang pananakit sa katawan, pilit
na pakikipag-sex, manipulasyon ng damdamin (kasama ang pagpapalayo sa mga
kamag-anak at mga kaibigan o ang pananakot), mga pagbabantang may kinalaman
sa pera at/o sa immigration. Bagamat ang karamihan ng mga itinalang insidente ng
domestic violence ay ang mga lalaki ang nang-aabuso sa mga babae o mga bata, ang
mga lalaki ay pwede ring maging biktima ng ganitong pangyayari.

Kabilang sa domestic violence ang sexual assault, pang-aabuso ng bata, at mga iba
pang krimen ng karahasan. Ang sexual assault ay ang anumang sexual na kilos na
ayaw ninyong gawin o gawin sa inyo, kahit na asawa ninyo ang humuhiling, at ito
ay pwedeng gawin ng sinuman. Kabilang sa pang-aabuso ng bata ang: pananakit
sa katawan (anumang pinsala na hindi aksidente, kabilang ang labis na parusa),
pagpapabaya (hindi binibigyan ng pagkain, tirahan, hindi pinagagamot o hindi
inaalagaan at inaasikaso), pang-aabusong sexual, at pang-aabuso ng damdamin (mga
pagbabanta, pinagkakaitan ng pagmamahal, hindi pagsustento o kulang sa aruga).

Kahit ano pa man ang sitwasyon, labag sa mga batas ng Estados Unidos ang domestic
violence, sexual assault, at ang pang-aabuso ng bata. Ang lahat ng tao sa Estados
Unidos (maging anuman ang kanilang lahi, kulay ng balat, relihiyon, kasarian,
pinanggalingan, o kalagayan ng mga papeles sa immigration) ay may garantiya ng
proteksyon na hindi abusuhin, alinsunod sa batas. Pwedeng humingi ng tulong ang
sinumang biktima ng domestic violence—anuman ang kalagayan ng kanyang mga
papeles sa immigration o ang kanyang pagkamamamayan. Maaaring karapat-dapat
magkaroon ng mga immigration protection ang isang immigrant na biktima ng
domestic violence.

Kung kayo ay biktima ng domestic violence, kayo ay hindi nag-iisa. Ang layunin nitong
pamphlet na ito ay tulungan kayong maintindihan ang mga batas ng Estados Unidos
at malaman kung paano makakahingi ng tulong kung kailangan ninyo.

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 Ano ang mga karapatan ayon sa batas ng mga biktima ng domestic violence sa
Estados Unidos?

Ang lahat ng tao sa Estados Unidos, maging anuman ang kanilang kalagayan sa
immigration o pagkamamamayan, ay may garantiya ng mga mahalagang proteksyon
alinsunod sa mga batas sibil at kriminal. Ang mga batas na nauukol sa mga pamilya
ay nagbibigay sa inyo ng:

• Karapatang kumuha ng isang utos ng proteksyon para sa inyo at inyong (mga)

anak.
• Karapatang makakuha ng legal separation o ng diborsyo nang walang
pahintulot ng inyong asawa.
• Karapatang makibahagi o makihati sa mga ilang pag-aari ninyong mag-asawa.
Sa mga sitwasyon ng diborsyo, ang hukuman ang maghahati-hati ng anumang
mga ari-arian at pera na nasa pangalan ninyong mag-asawa.
• Karapatang hilinging bigyan kayo ng poder at mapasa inyo ang inyong anak
o mga anak at makatanggap kayo ng sustento. Ang mga magulang ng mga
batang wala pang 21 taong gulang ay malimit na inuutusang mag-sustento
para sa sinumang anak nilang hindi nila kasama sa bahay.

Kumonsulta sa isang abogadong espesyalista sa mga batas na nauukol sa pamilya, na

tumutulong sa mga immigrant, para pag-usapan ninyo kung paano makakaapekto o
makakatulong sa inyo ang alinman sa mga batas na nauukol sa pamilya.

Alinsunod sa batas ng Estados Unidos, ang sinumang biktima ng isang krimen, maging
anuman ang kanyang kalagayan sa immigration o pagkamamamayan, ay pwedeng
tumawag ng pulis para humingi ng tulong o makakuha ng isang utos ng proteksyon .

Tumawag ng pulis sa pamamagitan ng pag-dial ng 911 kung kayo o ang inyong (mga)
anak ay nasa panganib. Maaaring arestuhin ng pulis ang inyong fiance(e), asawa, o
partner, o iba pang tao kung sa kanilang paniwala ay may nagawang krimen ang taong
iyon. Kailangang sabihin ninyo sa pulis ang tungkol sa anumang nangyaring pang-
aabuso, kahit nakaraan na, at ipakita ninyo sa kanila ang anumang mga pinsala sa
inyong katawan. Ang sinuman, maging anuman ang kanyang kalagayan sa immigration
o pagkamamamayan, ay pwedeng magsumbong ng krimeng ginawa sa kanya.

Gayon din, kung kayo ay biktima ng domestic violence, pwede kayong humiling sa
isang hukuman ng utos ng proteksyon. Ang iniutos ng hukuman na utos para sa
proteksyon o utos ng pagbabawal ay maaaring pagbawalan ang taong nang-abuso sa
inyo na tawagan, kontakin, lapitan, o saktan kayo, ang inyong (mga) anak o ang mga
ibang kapamilya ninyo. Kapag linabag ng taong nang-abuso sa inyo ang utos para sa

144
proteksyon, pwede ninyong kontakin ang pulis at maaaring arestuhin nila ang taong
iyon. Ang mga aplikasyon para sa mga utos na proteksyon ay makukuha sa karamihan
ng mga hukuman, mga estasyon ng pulis, mga shelter para sa kababaihan, at mga
tanggapang naghahandog ng mga serbisyong nauukol sa batas.

Kung kayo ay pinaratangang may ginawang krimen ng taong nang-abuso sa inyo,

kayo ay may mga mahalagang karapatan, maging anuman ang inyong kalagayan sa
immigration o pagkamamamayan, kabilang ang: karapatang kausapin ang isang
abogado; karapatang hindi sagutin ang mga tinatanong sa inyo nang walang abogadong
kaharap; karapatang magsalita upang ipagtanggol ang inyong sarili. Mahalaga para
sa inyo na kumonsulta sa isang abogadong espesyalista sa mga batas na nauukol sa
immigration at sa isang abogadong tagapagtanggol sa mga kasong kriminal.

Anong mga serbisyo ang makukuha ng mga biktima ng domestic violence at sexual
assault sa Estados Unidos?

Sa Estados Unidos, ang mga biktima ng krimen, maging anuman ang kanilang kalagayan
sa immigration o pagkamamamayan, ay makakakuha ng tulong na ipinagkakaloob ng
mga ahensya ng pamahalaan o mga ahensyang di-pamahalaan, na maaaring kabilang
sa mga ito ang counseling, mga translator, o interpreter, matitirahan sa panahon ng
emergency, at kahit tulong na pera.

Ang mga numero ng telepono na matatawagan mula sa alinmang dako ng Estados

Unidos 0 “mga hotline” ay may mga operator na sinanay na tulungan ang mga
biktima 24 oras araw-araw na walang-bayad. May makukuha kayong mga tagasalin
sa inyong wika at makokonekta kayo nitong mga numero sa iba pang libreng mga
serbisyo para sa mga biktima sa inyong lugar, kabilang ang matitirahan sa panahon
ng emergency, pagpapagamot, counseling, at mga payong nauukol sa batas. Kung
hindi ninyo kayang magbayad para sa isang abogado, baka maaaring karapat-dapat
kayo para sa programa ng libreng o murang tulong na nauukol sa batas, para sa mga
biktima ng krimen o ng mga domestic violence.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
www.ndvh.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
(RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
www.rainn.org

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 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
www.missingkids.com

The National Center for Victims of Crime

1-800-FYI-C ALL (1-800-394-2255)
1-800-211-7996 (TTY)
www.ncve.org

Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC)

P.O. Box 3198, Honolulu, Hawaii
Helpline: 800-531-3771
Toll-free Helpline: 800-690-6200
Email: [email protected]
www.domesticviolenceactioncenter.org

BIGYANG PANSIN: Ang pangunahing tungkulin nitong mga organisasyon ay kaligtasan

at proteksyon.

Kung ako ay isang biktima ng domestic violence sexual assault, o ng iba pang
krimen, ano ang mga opsyon ko kaugnay sa immigration?

May tatlong paraan kung paano maaaring makapag-aplay para maging legal ang
kalagayan sa immigration ng mga dayuhan na naging biktima ng domestic violence,
sexual assault, at ng iba pang krimen, para sa kanilang sarili at para sa kanilang (mga)
anak. Hindi isisiwalat ang pag-aaply ng biktima, at walang sinuman, kabilang ang
nang-abuso, ang gumawa ng krimen, o ang inyong kapamilya ang makakaalam na
kayo ay nag-aplay.

• Sariling pagpepetisyon alinsunod sa Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

• Kanselahin ang pagpapa-deport alinsunod sa VAWA
• U-non-immigrant status (mga biktima ng krimen)

Ang bawa’t isa sa mga immigration benefit ay may mga partikular na hinihiling na
kailangang magbigay ng pagpapatunay. Kumonsulta sa isang abogadong espesyalista
sa immigration na tumutulong sa mga biktima ng domestic violence upang mapag-
usapan ninyo kung paano makakaapekto o makakatulong sa inyo ang alinman sa mga
immigration benefit na ito.

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Paano ang pag-iimigrate batay sa pagpapakasal?

Maraming kinakailangang hakbang ang pag- iimigrate batay sa pagpapakasal para

maging isang legal immigrant sa Estados Unidos, at paglaon, para maging karapat-
dapat maging isang mamamayan. Itong mga hakbang na ito ay depende sa kung
anong klaseng bisa batay sa pagpapakasal ang bisa ninyo nang kayo ay nag-immigrate
sa Estados Unidos, pati mga ibang dahilan. Ang mga sumusunod ay mga maikling
pagpapaliwanag ng ilan sa mga klase ng bisa, pati impormasyon tungkol sa inyong
mga karapatan ayon sa batas.

K-1 non-immigrant status (bilang fiancé(e) ng isang mamamayan ng Estados Unidos):

Kailangan kayong magpakasal sa mamamayan ng Estados Unidos sa loob ng 90 araw
mula nang pumasok kayo ng Estados Unidos kung hindi gagawin ito, kailangan kayong
umalis ng Estados Unidos. Pagkakasal ninyo sa fiance(e) na mamamayan ng Estados
Unidos na nagpetisyon sa inyo, kailangan ninyong mag-file ng Application to Register
Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485). Kung inaprobahan ang inyong
Form 1-485, iaakma ang inyong status mula K non-immigrant at magiging conditional
permanent resident. Dalawang taon kayong nasa conditional status.

Kung kayo ay mananatili sa Estados Unidos at kayo ay hindi nagpakasal sa mamamayan

ng Estados Unidos na nag-sponsor sa inyong K-1 visa, o kung kayo ay nagpakasal sa
iba, linalabag ninyo ang mga kondisyon ng inyong bisa, wala kayong legal status, at
kayo ay pwedeng ipa-deport o patawan ng iba pang parusa.

K-3 non-immigrant status (bilang asawa ng isang mamamayan ng Estados Unidos):

Kayo ay pwedeng pumasok ng Estados Unidos nang pansamantala habang hinihintay
ang pag-aaproba sa visa petition batay sa pamilya (1-130). Sa oras na naaprobahan
ang I-130, kayo ay may karapatang maging isang legal permanent resident (green
card) at kakailanganin ninyong mag-file ng Application to Register Permanent
Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485).

Kailangang basahin ng lahat ng may ibang klaseng immigration status na batay sa

pagkakasal ang mga impormasyong binigay sa kanila ng Konsulado ng Estados
Unidos. May mga karagdagang impormasyon online sa http://www.uscis.gov.

Ano ang mga parusa para sa pagkakasal nang hindi tunay?

Ang mga immigrant na pumasok sa isang pagkakasal na panlilinlang ay maaaring

ipa-deport o maaaring pagbawalang makatanggap sa hinaharap ng mga immigration
benefit sa Estados Unidos. Ang sinumang mahatulang may-sala ng pagkakasal na
hindi tunay ay pwedeng makulong nang hanggang sa limang (5) taon at pagmultahin
ng hanggang $250,000 (perang Estados Unidos).

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 Kung ako ay kasal sa isang mamamayan ng Estados Unidos na nag-file ng mga
papeles sa immigration para sa akin, ano ang aking immigration status?

Kung kayo ay kasal nang wala pang 2 taon sa panahong naaprobahan ang inyong Form
I-485, kayo ay tatanggap ng conditional residence status mula sa USCIS. Siyamnapung
(90) araw bago ang ikalawang anibersaryo ng inyong conditional residence, kayong
mag-asawa ay kailangang magkasamang mag-aplay na ipaalis ang mga kondisyon sa
inyong residence status. Para gawin ito, kailangan kayong magbigay ng pagpapatunay
na kayo ay nagpakasal na may “mabuting layunin” at tunay ang inyong pagkakasal.
Sa oras na alisin ang mga kondisyon, kayo ay isa nang permanent resident na hindi
nababatay sa inyong asawang mamamayan ng Estados Unidos.

Kung kayo ay kasal nang higit sa 2 taon sa panahong naaprobahan ang inyong
Form I-485, kayo ay tatanggap ng permanent residence status mula sa USCIS. Sa
petsang iyon, hindi na nababatay ang inyong immigration status sa inyong asawang
mamamayan ng Estados Unidos.

May tatlong sitwasyon na kung saan pinahihintulutan ng batas ang mga conditional
resident ng opsyon na hilinging ang waiver sa ipinag-uutos na magkasama kayong
mag-asawang mag-file na alisin ang mga kondisyon. 1) Magreresulta sa isang
matinding kahirapan ang pagpapa-alis sa Estados Unidos nitong conditional
resident; O 2) Ang pagkakasal ay nagwakas nang legal, maliban sa pagkamatay, at
hindi kasalanan ng aplikante na hindi nai-file sa tamang panahon ang aplikasyon
para alisin ang kondisyon sa kanyang status; O 3) Sa loob ng panahon ng kanilang
pagkakasal, binubugbog o matinding pinagmamalupitan ng asawang mamamayan
ng Estados Unidos o legal na permanent resident ang asawang conditional resident.
Ang lahat ng tatlong waiver ay fina-file sa Form I-751 at iniuutos sa inyong patunayan
na kayo ay nagpakasal na may “mabuting layunin” at hindi panlilinlang ang inyong
pagpapakasal.

Ano pa ang ibang paraang ginagawa ng pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos para

sikaping ipaalam sa mga fiance(e) at mga asawa na mula sa ibang bansa ang
tungkol sa kanilang mga karapatan at protektahan sila at ang kanilang mga anak
laban sa pang-aabuso?

Ang International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA) ay isang batas
sa Estados Unidos na nagbago sa mga hakbang para sa pag-iimigrate batay sa
pagkakasal upang tulungan ang mga fiance(e) at mga asawa na mula sa ibang bansa.
Ipinag-uutos ng IMBRA na bigyan ng pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos ang mga nag-
iimigrate na mga fiance(e) at mga asawa, ng mga impormasyon at mga kasangkapang
tulungan ang sarili para protektahan sila laban sa karahasan ng kanilang mga partner

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na nag-sponsor ng kanilang bisa. Sa kalimitan, ang mga nag-iimigrate na mga
fiance(e) at mga asawa ay walang nalalaman tungkol sa mga batas ng Estados Unidos
at walang mga tumutulong sa kanilang mga kapamilya o mga kaibigan para takasan
ang domestic violence.

Iniutos ng IMBRA ang pagsulat at pamamahagi nitong pamplet upang ipaalam sa inyo
ang tungkol sa mga batas at mga serbisyo na makakatulong sa inyo sa Estados Unidos
kung kayo ay inaabuso. Hinahadlangan ng IMBRA ang mga mamamayan ng Estados
Unidos na mag-sponsor nang higit pa sa isang bisa para sa kanilang mga fiance(e)
na mula sa ibang bansa kung sila ay may kasaysayan ng mga krimen ng karahasan.
Iniuutos ng IMBRA sa pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos na bigyan ang mga fiance(e) at
mga asawa na taga ibang bansa, ng kopya ng criminal background check na ginagawa
ng USCIS sa mga nag-iisponsor na mamamayan ng Estados Unidos, pati kopya ng
aplikasyon para sa pag-iisponsor ng bisa.

Paano napamamahalaan ng pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos ang “International

Marriage Brokers”?

Kung kwalipikado ang isang agency ay bilang “international marriage broker”,

kinakailangan nitong bigyan kayo ng impormasyon tungkol sa pagkatao ng kanilang
kliyente sa Estados Unidos na gustong makipagkontak sa inyo, kabilang ang mga
impormasyong nasa listahang para sa madla ng mga pamahalaang pederal at ng
estado ng mga sex offender, at hingin ang inyong permiso bago nila ibigay sa kanilang
kliyente sa Estados Unidos ang mga impormasyong tungkol sa inyo. Iniuutos sa
agency na bigyan kayo ng kopya nitong pamplet. Pinagbabawalan itong kumasundo
sa inyo kung kayo ay wala pang 18 taong gulang.

Mapagtitiwalaan ko ba ang criminal background check information tungkol sa

aking fiance(e) o asawa ha mamamayan ng Estados Unidos?

Ang criminal background check information na tinipon ng agency ay mula sa

mapagkukunan ng madla ng impormasyon pati ang mga impormasyong binigay ng
mga kliyenteng mamamayan ng Estados Unidos sa mga aplikasyon sa immigration.
Hindi makukuha ng USCIS ang lahat ng mga database sa Estados Unidos na nagbibigay
ng kasaysayang kriminal. Maaaring hindi matapat ang sponsor na mamamayan ng
Estados Unidos sa kanyang aplikasyon para sa pag-iisponsor. May posibilidad rin na
itong mamamayan ng Estados Unidos ay may ginawang pang-aabuso sa nakaraan
nguni’t hindi siya naaresto o nahatulang may-sala. Sa gayong dahilan, maaaring hindi
kumpleto ang natanggap ninyong criminal background information. Ang hangad
ng IMBRA ay mabigyan ng makukuhang impormasyon at mga mapagkukunan ng
tulong ang mga fiance(e) at mga asawa na mag-iimigrate. Sa huli, kayo rin naman ang
magpapasya kung sa pakiramdam ninyo ay ligtas kayo sa relasyong ito.

149
 Pwede rin bang maging mga biktima ng human trafficking [pangangalakal ng
mga tao] ang mga fiance(e) o mga asawa na mula sa ibang bansa na biktima ng
karahasang pantahanan?

Ang mga ibang anyo ng pagsasamantala kabilang ang human trafficking ay kasama
na rin kung minsan sa domestic violence, kapag kasama sa pagsasamantala ang
mga pagtatrabaho, mga serbisyo, o mga aktong sexual na pangkalakal na pilit na
pinagagawa.

Makakahingi ng mga tulong hinggil sa human trafficking mula sa:

National Human Trafficking Resource Center

1-888-373-7888 (24 oras araw-araw, 7 araw isang linggo)
http://www.acf.bhs. gov/trafficking/

Human Trafficking and Worker Exploitation Task Force Hotline, U.S. Department
of Justice
1-888-428-7581 (Lunes - Biyernes, 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 5:00 ng hapon)
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/crim/tpwetf.php

Makakakuha ng karagdagang impormasyon sa aming website o sa pagtawag sa aming

walang-bayad na numero ng telepono na nakalista sa baba.

Pangkalahatang Impormasyon mula sa USCIS

Sa Estados Unidos tawagan nang walang-bayad: 1-800-870-3676
O tingnan ang aming internet website sa: http://www.uscis.gov

150
 2018 Presidential Awardees for Filipino Individuals
and Organizations Overseas in the United States

Banaag Awardee

PILIPINO WORKERS CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (PWCSC)

Ms. Aquilina Soriano Versoza
Los Angeles, USA
Email: [email protected]

Pamana ng Pilipino Awardees

PAUL C. BALAN PEDRO A. JOSE

Wisconsin, U.S.A. Virginia, USA
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

EDWARD M. BROTONEL ATTY. CONRADO JOE SAYAS JR.

Illinois, U.S.A. California, USA
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

ATTY. NICOLAS M. CARAQUEL JHETT D. TOLENTINO

New York, USA New York, USA
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

ELIZABETH L. ENGLE
Alaska, USA
Email: [email protected]

Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Awardees

ASSOCIATION OF FIL-AM TEACHERS FRIENDS INDEED USA

OF AMERICA INC. (AFTA) Nena L. Smith
Ms. Roxanne Raqcuel A. Cajigas, Ph.D. New York, U.S.A.
New York, U.S.A. Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
HILDA L. GIGIOLI
FILIPINO AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT Maryland, USA
OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (FALEO) Email: [email protected]
Mr. Bradley Bautista
California, U.S.A.
Email: [email protected]

151
 Filipino Community and Migrant Organizations

Association of Filipino Teachers of Ludivina Cometa

America (AFTA) [email protected]
2711 Tenbroek Avenue, Bronx,
New York 10469 Confederation of Filipino-American
Josefina “Penny” Badana Association (CONFAA)
[email protected] 2822 E. 221ST. Place
Long Beach, CA 90810
Association of Philippine Physicians Perlita Rasing
of America (APPA) [email protected]
3112 Sprague Road, Penn Valley,
Pennsylvania 19072 Council for Teaching Filipino
Dr. Francis Talangbayan Language and Culture
Tel. no. (610) 5636756 6333 Viewpoint Ct.,
San Diego, California 92139
Bay Area Filipino American Rosalina V. Idos
Community (Immediate Past President)
1150 Bush St., Ste 4A Tel. no. (619) 7089979 /4706493 /
San Francisco California 94109 7089979
Dr. Rodolfo Soto [email protected]
[email protected] www.ctflc.org

Bayanihan Association of America / Dagupan City Club of San Diego

UP Alumni Association 11374 Grassy Trail Dr.,
P.O Box 12903 Fresno, San Diego, California 92127
California 93779 Tel. no. (858) 2290503 /4855696
Dr. Orly Dyoco Amy Saroca (Past President)
[email protected] [email protected]

Bayanihan Club of Connecticut Feed the Hungry, Inc. (FtH)

(Bayanihan) 6419 Floridon Ct.
30 Falmouth Street, Milford, Springfield, VA 22150
Connecticut 06460-5506 Evangeline F. Ganuelas,

152
Executive Director Filipino-American Services Group,
[email protected] Inc. (FASGI)-Established in 1981
Tel. no. (571) 243-9525 135 N. Parkview Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Federation of Filipino American Susan Dilkes
Associations Inc. (FFAAI) [email protected]
2125 Santa Fe Avenue,
Long Beach, CA Filipino Community, Inc.
Paul Blanco 251 S Franklin St., Juneau,
[email protected] Alaska 99801
Jenny Gomez Strickler
Federation of Phil-Am Chambers of (Public Relations Officer)
Commerce Tel. no. (907) 5864116 / 7239053
447 Sutter St. Ste 701, [email protected]
San Francisco, California 94108 www.filcomalaska.org
Yolanda Stern
[email protected] Filipino Community of Seattle
5740 Martin Luther King JY WY
Filipino American Community of Seattle, Washington 98118
Colorado Alma Kern
1900 Harlan St. [email protected]
Edgewater, Colorado
Giselle Rushford Filipina Women’s Network
[email protected] P.O Box 192143, San Francisco,
California 94119
Filipino American Development Marily Mondejar
Development Foundation/ [email protected]
Bayanihan Community Center
1010 Mission St., Ste. B Home Reach Foundation, Inc.
San Francisco, California 94103 24 Birchdale Lane, Port Washington,
Bernadette Sy New York 11050
[email protected] Dr. Teofilo “Pepe” Recitas
[email protected]
Filipino American National Historical
Society-Alaska Chapter H.O.P.E. Foundation International
2607 Kona Lane, Anchorage,
Alaska 99519
Thelma Buchholdt
[email protected]

153
 Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the U.S.

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE Fax No.: (+1-671) 649-1868

PHILIPPINES, WASHINGTON D.C. Duty Phone No.: (+1-671) 488-4630
1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Email: [email protected] / pcgagana@
Washington, D.C. 20036, U.S.A. gmail.com
Tel. Nos.: (+1-202) 467-9300; 467-9363 Website: www.aganapcg.dfa.gov.ph
Fax No.: (+1-202)467-9417; 328-7614 Facebook: @PHLinAgana
Duty Officer No.: (+1-202) 368-2767
Email: [email protected] Consular Jurisdiction: Caroline Islands, Guam,
[email protected] (Consular Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Wake
Section) Islands
Website: www.washingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph /
www.philippineembassy-usa.org PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, CHICAGO
Facebook: @PHinUSA 122 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago
Illinois 60603, U.S.A.
Jurisdiction: Tel. No.: (+1-312) 583-0621
United States of America: Alabama, District Fax No.: (+1-312) 583-0647
of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Duty Officer No.: (+1-312) 800-3106
Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Email: [email protected] /
Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia [email protected]
Website: www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph; www.
Outside USA: Anguilla, Aruba, Bonaire, British chicagopcg.com
Virgin Islands, Caribbean Islands (Bahamas, Facebook: @PHinChicago
Bermuda, British West Indies, Cayman
Islands, Turks & Caicos), Commonwealth Consular Jurisdiction:
of Jamaica, Country of Curacao, Grenada, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Guadalupe, Michigan, Minnesota, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio,
Martinique, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Republic of Haiti, Saba, St. Eustatius,
St. Maartin, St. Martin, The Territorial PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL,
Collectivity of St. Barthelemy, Trinidad and HONOLULU
Tobago, and U.S. Virgin Islands. 2433 Pali Highway, Honolulu
Hawaii 96817, U.S.A.
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, AGANA Tel. Nos.: (+1-808) 595-6316 to 19
Suite 601-602, ITC Building, Marine Corps Fax No.: (+1-808) 595-2581
Drive, Tamuning 96913 Guam, U.S.A. Duty Officer No.: (+1-808) 253-9446
P.O. Box 9880, Tamuning, Guam 96931, Email: [email protected] /
U.S.A. [email protected]
Tel. Nos.: (+1-671) 646-4620; 646-4630 Website: www.honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph /

154
www.philippineshonolulu.org Consular Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware,
Facebook: @PHinHonolulu Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, Vermont
HOUSTON
9990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 100N PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL,
Houston, Texas 77042, U.S.A. SAN FRANCISCO
Tel. No.: (+1-346) 293-8773 447 Sutter Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco
Duty Officer No.: (+1-346) 256-4522 California 94108, U.S.A.
Email: [email protected]; pcghouston. Tel. No.: (+1-415) 433-6666
[email protected] (Administrative Section); Fax No.: (+1-415) 421-2641
[email protected] (ATN Section); Duty Officer No.: (+1-415) 269-2090
[email protected] (Cultural Email: [email protected]
Section); [email protected] Website: www.sanfranciscopcg.dfa.gov.ph /
(Consular Section) www.philippinessanfrancisco.org
Facebook: @PHinSF
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL,
LOS ANGELES Consular Jurisdiction:
3435 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 550 Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington,
Los Angeles, CA 90010-2609, U.S.A. Northern Nevada (Carson, Churchill, Douglas
Tel. No. (+1-213) 639-0980 (trunk line) Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander,
Fax No. (+1-213) 639-0990 Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storie, Washoe,
Hotline: (+1-213) 268-9990 White Pine, Reno), Colorado, Montana, Utah,
Email: [email protected] / Wyoming, Northern California (San Jose,
[email protected] / losangelespcg@ Oakland, Fresno, Palo Alto, Sacramento,
earthlink.net Stockton, Napa, Union City, San Mateo,
Website: www.philippineconsulatela.org Vallejo, Pittsburg)
Facebook: @PHLinLA
Philippine Honorary Consulate General,
Consular Jurisdiction: Atlanta
Arizona, Texas, Southern Nevada (Nye, Las 4035 Stovall Terrace, N.E.
Vegas, Clark, Lincoln), New Mexico, Southern Atlanta, Georgia 30342
California (Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Tel. No. (404) 264-0564
Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, San Email: [email protected]
Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern) Website: http://www.philippinesatlanta.org/

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL,

NEW YORK CHARLOTTE-AMALIE (U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS)
556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036 U.S.A. P.O. Box 12154, Charlotte-Amalie Street
Tel. No.: (+1-212) 764-1330 Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00801
Fax Nos.: (+1-212) 764-6010 Tel.: (340) 776 3389 (office)
Duty Officer No.: (+1-917) 294-0196 Mobile: (340) 690 0131
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph /
www.newyorkpcg.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PHLinNY

155
 United States Federal Departments and Agencies45

For general inquiries on directory of Federal Department of Agencies, you may contact
1-800-FED-INFO (or 1-800-333-4636); 1-800-326-2996 (for the hearing impaired)
http://www.USA.gov

Department of Education (ED)

U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, DC 20202
Phone: 1-800-872-5327; For hearing impaired: 1-800-437-0833
http://www.ed.gov

• The Department of Education establishes policies on federal financial aid for

education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds, collecting data on
America’s schools and disseminating research, and prohibiting discrimination
and ensuring equal access to education.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 1801 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20507
Phone: 1-800-669-4000; For hearing impaired: 1-800-669-6820
http://www.eeoc.gov

• The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal

laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee
because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national
origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

45. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
Office of Citizenship, Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants,
Washington, DC, 2007, Revised Edition

156
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20201
Phone: 1-877-696-6775
http://www.hhs.gov

• The HHS is the US government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all
Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are
least able to help themselves.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528
http://www.dhs.gov

• Among its many duties, the DHS bears responsibility for facilitating legal
immigration and enforcing laws, and supports legal employment by offering
information and expanding E-Verify program.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Phone: 1-800-375-5283; For hearing impaired: 1-800-767-1833
http://www.uscis.gov

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that
oversees lawful immigration to the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Phone: 202-354-1000
http://www.cbp.gov

• Under the Department of Homeland Security, the CBP’s priority mission is

to keep terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. It is also responsible for
securing the border and facilitating lawful international trade and travel while
enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws and regulations, including immigration and
drug laws.

157
 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
http://www.ice.gov

• ICE’s primary mission is to promote homeland security and public safety through
the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control,
customs, trade and immigration.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20410
Phone: 202-708-1112; For hearing impaired: 202-708-1455
http://www.hud.gov

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers

Federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-
income residents at rents they can afford.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20530-0001
Phone: 202-514-2000
https://www.justice.gov/

• The DOJ is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for the
enforcement of the law and administration of justice.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Phone: 1-800-829-1040; For hearing impaired: 1-800-829-4059
http://www.irs.gov

• The IRS is the U.S. government agency responsible for tax collection and tax law
enforcement.

Selective Service System (SSS)

Registration Information Office
PO Box 94638, Palatine, IL 60094-4638
Phone: 847-688-6888; For hearing impaired: 847-688-2567
http://www.sss.gov

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 • The Selective Service System is an independent agency of the United States
government that maintains information on those potentially subject to military
recruitment.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Office of Public Inquiries and Communications Support
1100 West High Rise
6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 1-800-772-1213; For hearing impaired: 1-800-325-0778
https://www.ssa.gov/

• The SSA administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of

retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits.

Department of State (DOS)

U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520
Phone: 202-647-4000
http://www.state.gov

• As the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, the U.S. Department of State has over
265 diplomatic locations around the world, including embassies, consulates,
and missions to international organizations. The Department also maintains
diplomatic relations with most countries in the world, as well as with many
international organizations. The Department also provides information and
services for U.S. citizens travelling abroad, including issuing passports. And, it
also issues visas to foreigners wishing to visit the United States.

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 Financial Exercises of the Kapit-KA! Program

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE OF YOUR FINANCIAL STANDING

(For the Immigrant and Family Back Home)

Want to know where you stand financially? Answer the following questions, by
choosing from the three options: A, B, or C. Find out your “financial standing” based
on your answers on the last page of this exercise.

“Sino ka sa mga ito?”

I. Spending and Debt

1. Kailangan ko umutang para ipambayad sa iba ko pang utang.

2. Kapag may gusto akong bilhin, pipilitin ko pa din bilhin kahit madagdagan ang
utang ko.
3. Binibili ko lang ang kailangan ko. Minsan may kaunting luho pero hindi ko
inuutang ang pambayad ko sa mga gusto.

Answer: _________

II. Luxuries and Obstacles

1. Hindi ko pa kayang bilhin ang mga ganyang bagay. Sobrang mahal. Sa susunod
na lang siguro.
2. Kaya kong bilhin pero kailangan ko pang mag-ipon para dito. Hindi kasi kasama
sa budget ko.
3. Kaya kong bilhin ang ganyan kamahal na mga bagay, pero dapat sigurado akong
kailangan ko talaga ito.

Answer: _________

III. Work Attitude and Mindset

1. Okay na sa akin ang ganitong trabaho. Safe at sigurado ang sahod. Ayoko nang
mag-take pa ng risk.
2. Gusto kong mag-resign pero natatakot ako na baka wala agad akong makuhang

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 trabaho. Hangga’t wala magtitiis muna ako dito.
3. Kailangan kong mag-take ng risk para mas ma-promote pa ako at mas umunlad
sa aking buhay. May risk pero kailangan kong bigyan ng chance.

Answer: _________

IV. Wealth and Success

1. Tataya na lang ako sa lotto o sweepstakes o mag-aasawa ng mayaman

para maka-ahon sa hirap.
2. Hihintayin ko na lang ang mana ko mula sa magulang ko. Pero hangga’t wala
pa yon, maghihintay muna ako ma-promote sa trabaho.
3. Para yumaman ng mabilis, kailangan kong mag-isip ng magandang negosyo
o kaya ay mag-invest.

Answer: ___________

V. Lifestyle

1. Kailangan kong mag-trabaho kaso yung kikitain ko ngayon ay budget ko din

para sa araw na ito.
2. Sapat lang itong budget ko hanggang sa susunod sa sweldo. Sakto lang lahat.
3. Sapat na ang pera ko para sa gastos ko buong taon, may kaunti pang extra for
leisure.

Answer: ___________

If your answers are mostly If your answers are mostly If your answers are mostly
A’s, B’s, C’s,
you are on you are on you are on
SURVIVAL mode COMFORT mode FREEDOM mode

*Learning about your financial standing will help you take control of your spending
habits. It must be your and your family’s goal to reach the “Freedom” mode, and
avoid living on “Survival” mode.

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 Dream Matrix
(For the Immigrant and Family Back Home)

Instructions: Ask yourself and your family what your financial goals are and place
these items in the first column. Then determine a timeline where you want to
achieve the goal. In the example provided below, the dream is to have P100,000 in a
savings account by the end of 2 years.

To compute how much you/they need to save per year, simply divide the target
budget by the number of years. In the example below, the immigrant would need to
save the equivalent of P50,000 per year to reach his goal.

PLACE TARGET 2 5 10 15 30
YOUR BUDGET YEARS YEARS YEARS YEARS YEARS
DREAMS
HERE

100,000
Savings Php /2
Account 100,000.00 = 50,000
per year

Formula:

TARGET BUDGET NEEDED SAVINGS

NUMBER OF YEARS
= PER YEAR

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Country Profile of the United States of America46

NAME OF THE COUNTRY

Conventional long form : United States of America

Conventional short form : United States, US, USA, America, States

NATIONAL FLAG

The flag of the United States (US) is blue at the upper hoist-side quadrant with 50
white stars representing the first 50 states. The rest of the flag are horizontally
alternated seven white and six red stripes representing the 13 original American
colonies.

GEOGRAPHY

The United States of America is the largest country in North America with a total land
area of 9,372,571 square kilometers, including Alaska and Hawaii. It is bounded to
the north by Canada; to the west by the Pacific Ocean; to the south by Mexico, the
Gulf of Mexico, and the Strait of Florida; and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.

46. Source: Migrant Advisory Information System (MAIS), Commission on Filipinos

Overseas

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 The United States of America consists of 50 states, the District of Columbia (a special
area that is the home of the federal government), the territories of Guam, American
Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the commonwealths of the Northern Mariana
Islands and Puerto Rico.

CLIMATE

The climate of the United States is temperate in most areas. Average annual
temperatures range from -33 degrees Fahrenheit in Bar¬row, Alaska, to 134 degrees
Fahrenheit in Death Valley, California.

It is tropical in Hawaii and Southern Florida, polar in Alaska, semi-arid in the Great
Plains, desert in the Southwest, Mediterranean in coastal California and arid in the
Great Basin.

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The Midwest, Middle Atlantic States and New England have warm summers and cold,
snowy winters. In the South, summers are long and hot, and winters are mild. Along
the Pacific Coast, and in some other areas near large bodies of water, the climate
is relatively mild all year. Alaska has a sub-arctic climate with long cold winters
and short cool summers. A tropical climate with warm weather and abundant
rainfall characterizes Hawaii throughout the year. Extreme weather conditions like
hurricanes in the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico and tornadoes primarily in the
Midwest are not uncommon.

PEOPLE

As a result to the massive international migration, the United States is considered

as the world’s most ethnically diverse nation. According to the US Census Bureau,
the population is estimated at 316,128,839 in 2013. It is third most populous nation
preceded by China and India, respectively.

The majority of the Americans are of European descent. The African-Ameri-cans

comprise the largest minority group. The rest of the population is made up of Asians,
Hispanics, Native Americans, and others.

LANGUAGE

English is the official language. Spanish is widely spoken in California, New Mexico,
Texas, New York, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

RELIGION

The U.S. Constitution guarantees the freedom to choose and practice one’s religion.
There are large representations of Protestants, Roman Catholics, Jews, Mormons
and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The rest belong to other faiths such as Islam and
Buddhism.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

The United States of America practices a system of representative democracy and

has a federal form of government that derives its mandate from the constitution.

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 The federal government is divided into three co-equal bodies namely executive,
legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is composed of the President, Vice
President, and departments of the federal government. The legislative branch is
composed of a bicameral Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) and its
related offices. The judicial branch is composed of the Supreme Court of the United
States of America, and federal courts across the country. Each has some authority to
act on its own, some authority to regulate the other two branches and be regulated
by the other two branches as well. The federal government focuses on many issues
including matters on international affairs and national security, the economy and
taxation, legislation and law compliance. The power of the federal government is
limited to the mandates stated in the constitution and individual states enjoy a great
deal of authority.

Within each state are counties, townships, cities and villages, with their own elected
government officials. The state government is headed by a governor and has
authority over commerce within the state, and laws that govern marriage, divorce and
education among others. Each state has its own written constitution, government,
and code of laws. Law and procedure between individual states, concerning issues
such as property, crime, health, and education sometimes differ from state to state.

The right to vote is enjoyed by all citizens from the age of 18. The presidential election
is held every four years. All members of the House of Representatives and about one
third of the members of the Senate are elected every two years.

ECONOMIC SYSTEM

The United States of America has a capitalist mixed economy. The economy is
strengthened by abundant natural resources, well-developed infrastructure and high
productivity. The United States is the second largest exporter in the world mainly of
electrical machinery and the largest importer of goods especially vehicles. Leading
trading partners are Canada, China, Mexico, Japan and Germany

MIGRATION HISTORY

Filipino Pioneers

It is generally assumed that the first wave of Filipino immigrants to the United States
came at the turn of the century when the Philippines became an American colony.
In fact, natives of Las Islas Filipinos – Indio Chino, as the Spanish Conquistadores
called them – were sailing across the vast Pacific to the new New World from the

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late 1500’s. Many of them found their way to what is now the Continental U.S.A.
These Filipino pioneers were members of the crew of the Spanish galleons that were
backbone of the 250-year Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.

The Filipino Poblador of Los Angeles

According to William Mason, former Curator of the Los Angeles County Museum
of Natural History, a certain Antonio Miranda Rodriguez (described in historical
records as a “native of Manila” and an Indio Chino was a Poblador or a member
of the original expedition sent from Sinaloa in Mexico to California to establish the
settlement of El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula, or
what is now known as the City of L.A. Unfortunately, on the very day of the founding
on September 4, 1781, he was in Loreto, in Baja California, taking care of a dying
daughter. Rodriguez, who was a skilled gunsmith, eventually became armorer of the
presidio of Santa Barbara where he died on May 26, 1784. A marker is now found in
the Presidio Chapel (placed there by the State of California upon representations of
the Filipino-American Community of Santa Barbara)

The Manila Men of Louisiana

In 1883, the celebrated American journalist, Lafcadio Hearn, wrote an article in

Harper’s Weekly, about “A small colony of sinewy and brownskinned fishermen
who lived in houses on stills and eked out a living in the swamps between Lake
Pontchartain and Lake Bornge, some 30 miles northeast of New Orleans.” Hearn
conjectured that the “Manila Men” had been in that settlement for some 50 years.
Research conducted by Mrs. Marina Espina, a Filipina scholar in Louisiana, has
established that the settlement existed as early as 1763 – the first in Continental
U.S.A.

Source: CFO Migrant Advisory Information System

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 Acknowledgment

Contributors

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Ivy D. Miravalles
Manolo V. Tibe
Andrea Luisa C. Anolin
Marita del Rosario-Apattad
Geronico M. Hererra
Maria Regina Angela G. Galias

Asian Institute of Management

Maria Isabel L. Hernando

Layout/Graphics
Troy D. Agcanas

Our special thanks also to the following

for their valuable inputs to this handbook

Rebecca Lordan
Rebecca Myerson
Carl von Schweinitz

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