As for all the young one’s out there in cyber space, have you ever thought that you are living in the wrong place. Did you ever had the feeling that the city or town you’re living in has held you back. I had that thought and feeling while I was growing up in a city called Olongapo in the Philippines.

 The city I grew up in was a little progressive than most towns or villages in the Philippines but while I was there, I thought it was backwards compared to Metro Manila. Coming from a family that was migrant to Olongapo, I often dreamed of the day I can actually leave. Although the city wasn’t bad, it was the culture that I had a hard time dealing. Most of my mother’s family were in Manila at that time and my roots were deeply planted there.

 The problem I think for Olongapo at that time was the city was trying to cater too much to the American Servicemen who were stationed at Subic Naval Base. The music the youth listened, the clothes we wore as well as the food served at the countless bars and restaurants were for the American taste.

 Here I was, who enjoys listening to jazz, wearing finely crafted leather shoes and plays football (soccer) , was like an alien in my own city. I can’t find a classy restaurant that serves traditional filipino or european cuisine. Fine dining with wine was an oddity. It was the beer and pizza crowd that crowds the numerous nightspots. As for my sports, forget it, not a single soccer team nor field in the whole city.

 The High School I went to didn’t even have an athletic team for it’s students to support. We didn’t have a prom instead we had to settle for a field trip to the big city. You are probably wondering how I survived.  There was one thing that was great about that place, the people. I found some great friends that helped ease the inconvinience I was suffering.

 I guess the most important part in living anywhere are the people you share those days with. Family, friends and relationships are what’s important and everything else is irrelevant. Take it from someone who lived 18 years of his life in a place he hated, the people carried me through and made my stay a memorable one.

 So if you are troubled with your hometown, remember that it’s just as good as what you make out of it. Get out and enjoy the people and things will get better, I can assure you that.

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What a day! 23Jul2008 was indeed a day to remember. 

It is my distinct pleasure and great honor to enlist in the United States Navy: Marc Gil Lipumano Baltazar (21 yo) and Glynn Reich Lipumano Baltazar (17 yo).  Marc and Glynn are the sons of my fraternal brother in DeMolay, Gilbert “Fred” Baltazar,  and batchmate in Saint Joseph’s High School Olongapo City, Melinda Lipumano-Baltazar.  Marc signed up for five years, will go to recruit training in April 2009, and will attend Storekeeper “A” School right after bootcamp.  Glynn signed up for four years, will go to recruit training in March 2009, and will attend Ship’s Serviceman “A” School right after bootcamp.  I wish both Marc and Glynn the best.  ”Fair Winds and Following Seas.” 

Video: Taking the Oath of Enlistment

Now let me take you back 25 years….

Gilbert and I have a story to tell.  I mentioned a little bit about it on my blog “An introduction.”  

It seemed like yesterday when Gilbert and I took the U.S. Navy exam in NRD Subic Bay Philippines. Gilbert and I both passed the exam and the interview.  However, when I was waiting for my call to sign the enlistment contract, I was mistakenly sent home because my last name was the same name as the applicant who failed the interview.  I was a no show when the recruiters were calling everyone in for the contract signing process.  Fortunately, Gilbert was there who volunteered to inform me of the mistake and advised me to return to the recruiting office the next day to complete my enlistment process.  I would not be where I am right now if I was not able to enlist in the Navy.  I would not be in the Navy if not for my brother Gilbert.      

Thank you again my brother. 

 It was my privilege to be the enlisting officer for your sons Marc and Glynn and their day of enlistment will be in my heart forever.

The Oath of Enlistment: United States Navy 

I,_________,do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

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What a week!  I just attended the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) 23^rd Annual Congressional Seminar and National Leadership Training Conference and Exhibits held in Brooklyn, NY.  It was a very enlightening experience.  During this week I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people, started networking with various Federal Agencies, and found more opportunities for all.  I wish everyone was afforded the same opportunity and was able to attend. 

 All I could say was WOW!  I could not believe that I was in the presence of a number of outstanding Asian Pacific Americans (APA).  I was able to meet in person The Honorable David S. C. Chu Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness), General Peterson of the USA, MG James Mukoyam (ret.) of the USA, RADM Harry B. Harris of the USN, Brig Gen Jim Chow of the Air National Guard, Brig Gen Robert Chu of the USAF, Capt Myles Esmele of the USN, Capt Ken Barrett Head of the Navy Diversity Directorate, Grant Ichikawa a WW II Veteran, Joseph Hudson a Iraq POW, and many more outstanding citizens of Asian Pacific American descent who are proudly serving our country.  They just have infused more energy in me so I can do more for our country and also continue helping and mentoring in the APA community. 

A highlight of my week was the opportunity to talk in length with Joseph Hudson- a Filipino-American Veteran and Iraq POW.  I am so proud of Joseph and was humbled to hear about his experiences.  It was a great honor to meet him.  I am hoping that Joseph Hudson will take the time to write about his story here in GoodBro.com. 

 I was so amazed and frankly it was quite an educational experience to learn and understand the different functions of the various agencies in the Federal Government.  Having been in the military service for more than 24 years, all I have known mostly is about Department of the Defense and the United States Navy.  Serving the country to me is serving in uniform.  Unknown to all of us, there are a number of civilian personnel also serving our country through Federal Service.  Are you all familiar with the Department of Justice, Labor and Employment, Education, Transportation, Energy, Agriculture, Treasury, State,  Homeland Security, National Security Agency, Internal Revenue Service, NASA, Veteran Affairs, Health and Human Services, Defense, and many more? There are just so many Federal Agencies out there.  Just think of any personal service you receive from the government and a corresponding Federal Agency is providing that service.  Are you aware of the jobs you can apply for in these agencies?  Are you interested to serve your country?  Each agency has different job requirements, but I would say that there are only two very basic qualification requirements from job applicants: must be a US citizen and willingness to serve the country.  Click the links above to get more employment specifics for each agency.  Furthermore, take a look at the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government website to find out more of the other federal agencies where you can serve.

SO, did I bring up your interest to serve in the Federal Government? USAJOBS, the government’s official job web site provides access to more than 30,000 job listings daily as well as applications, forms, and employment fact sheets.  Job postings are updated daily and are available to job seekers in a variety of formats to ensure accessibility for those with differing physical and technological capabilities.  You can search for jobs by location, job category, and agency.  Use the “Jobs in Demand” feature to identify positions that agencies are trying to fill quickly.  These listings link directly to the announcements, which allow you to complete and submit your application directly to the agency online.

There are vast opportunities in Federal Government and there are no boundaries – an equal opportunity employer.  A huge wave of baby boomers will be retiring in the next 10 years that will leave a void that can suck all of us in at anytime especially if we start knocking the doors NOW.  This means numerous employment opportunities for all of us.  Additionally, the Federal Government is also hiring the younger generation into federal service. There are vast opportunities for student interns and even the young professionals to serve.  Why not!  Our young folks will continue the Federal Service legacy in the years to come.  Check out Studentjobs.gov to get more information about the employment opportunities for students within the Federal Government. 

As an Asian Pacific American, I am so honored to be able to attend the FAPAC Congressional Seminar.  It was a very gratifying and timely experience indeed.  Now I am eyeing on various job openings in several Federal Agencies after I retire from military service.  I encourage my fellow APAs to attend the next year’s FAPAC Leadership Seminar to be held in Houston, TX.   Most of all, I encourage everyone to get involved with these type of organizations and attend any leadership conferences to open up more opportunities not just to yourself but also to other people as well.  Good luck to all of us! 

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San Diego, CA (June 7, 2008).  A 19-year-old driver was killed in a rollover crash on Interstate 15 in Miramar early Saturday, authorities said.   Romnick Menta, of San Diego, was driving his father’s Lexus southbound on the freeway at a high rate of speed when he lost control as he exited onto Miramar Way, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. The car rolled and crashed into a light pole.   Menta, a student, died at the scene about 2:20 a.m., the Medical Examiner’s Office said.

I was informed about this tragic accident around 0840 Saturday morning 06/07/08, when cousin Flora called me to say that they were all in her elder brother Mario’s house.   She mentioned about a fatal accident involving Romnick, Mario’s youngest son.  “What???” was all I could muster to say.  I was so shaken I did not bother to ask for the details. I just told her we would be coming over.   I hang up the phone, still in complete shock.

I hurriedly informed my wife, and we walked towards our kids bedrooms.  Our 20 year old son, JP,  grew up with Romnick.  They were baby sat together by our uncle during their early years.   We woke him up. With tears rushing down our cheeks, we informed him about the accident. We then proceeded to the adjacent bedroom and woke up our younger daughter Janine to tell her the sad news.  Our kids were terribly saddened. They sat on their beds with disbelief, staring at the ceiling.  We told them to get ready so we could join the rest of the family.

What a heart breaking, life-changing TRAGEDY! We could not imagine how Myrna and Mario would take this. We learned that Mario just left for Spain the day before and was still in the air when the accident happened.

This is absolutely every parent’s worst nightmare. I am sure that the sight of a Peace Officer on the porch in the wee hours of the morning, would make our knees tremble without even hearing what he had to say. It is something each of us would not be ready to face ever.

For those of us who have kids, especially teenagers, we pray night after night for their safe travel and return. Unlike when they were younger, they stayed home most of the time, and patiently await Dad and Mom to come back from work every night. However, as they grow up and start flapping their own wings, they become more independent and tend to take more risks, thinking they were invincible.  I am sure we parents never miss a beat to advise them how to make responsible decisions in life.

Romnick was a sweet, caring and fun-loving adolescent.  He was a very good son, brother, and friend.  He had plenty of friends. They were all grieving and upset.  I could not express in words the pain and suffering us all went through.  I would not be able to decipher how his parents would go through life without him… how much their hearts were torn apart.

Why did this happen? Was he drunk?  Was he on the cell phone while driving at excessive speed?  What is the point of this accident? Why Romnick?  And more unanswered questions…  As we laid Romnick into his final resting place, I can’t help to think what this tragedy has to offer.  I am sure with Romnick’s wonderful life would leave us all a very powerful message.

Listen! All of you out there!  Would you wait until it really came close to your heart?  Would you take action now or wait until it is too late?

To all parents:  * Show your love and care every time.   * Never cease to remind and provide guidance to your children.   * Know their friends.  Love and care for their friends as well.   * Know the differences between being supportive, being protective, and giving it all.  Know how to make the balance.    

To all children (especially teens):  * Listen to your parents.    * Yap! Life is too short, but do not be stupid to live your life like there’s no tomorrow to make it much shorter.    * Make wise and responsible decisions.    * Status symbol is short lived.  It’s not worth your life.    * It is OK to say NO and be different.  Learn not to succumb to peer pressure.    * Laws are there to protect, not to make things harder.   

To us all:   * Use peer pressure positively.   * NO means NO.  Support each other.   * Experience life, but be wise and smart in your decisions.    * You are responsible to yourself and the friends around you.   * In a gathering, someone should always be assigned as a watchdog for safety and clean fun.  

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It was 8:00 one gloomy rainy morning in March. I just drove out of my driveway in Chula Vista.  Unlike my typical Monday mornings, I felt terribly stressed before this day even started. I failed to set my alarm to get ready for an 8:30 interview with the VP of a local biotech company. This was for a job I was eyeing for months. Traffic was moving slowly, and I was sure it would take an angel and miracle for me to be in Sorrento Valley on time.

During the drive, I got a call from my Mom reminding me of this interview. “Yes, Mom! I am on my way”. Then, I started trying to call the company to tell them I was running late. Yeah, good first impression to a VP, huh!. I dialed, and dialed, and kept trying but somehow I couldn’t get through. Several times, I almost struck somebody’s car.  

I was approaching Sorrento Valley at around 8:25, still hoping to make it. I convinced myself that IF I am late 10 minutes max that it wouldn’t be such a big deal. Yes, it was a big IF. I arrived for my interview at exactly 9:00. Why???? Thanks for this f—ng Hyundai driving in front of me at 10 miles/hr, driver talking in cell phone traveling in TRALALA land. The VP cancelled the interview. AAAAghhh!

Aside from my irresponsibility, I blamed it all on “Celling and Driving”. Although the advent of cellular phones have made life easier  and has become a necessity for many, cell phones also have created problems causing traffic accidents, and creating a form of nuisance to others.  As always, with innovation come great things with some negative effects.  “Celling and Driving” is like drinking and driving. This phenomenon is as deadly.  Statistics can very well attest this theory.    That is why the government promulgated some laws to help prevent or minimize traffic accidents.  The cellular phone law goes into effect July 1, 2008.

This is a change! A transition to how we normally do “Celling and Driving.” Attached is DL2007-53 “Cellular Phone Q & A” I downloaded from the DMV website.

 Cellular Phone Questions and Answers

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This is a story of my ongoing battle with a rare illness called Trigeminal Neuralgia. Through all the agonizing pain, i have learned to appreciate every minute that i feel better, and make each and every second worthwhile.

Having this illness has made me learn to categorize my days; from Diamond Days to Golden Days to Sucky Days to Zombie Days. My Diamond Days obviously is the best. I can smile widely, chomp food with gusto, drink from bottled water, talk a mile a minute, and laugh heartily. A zombie day is when I have more than 5 attacks a day and I cannot move an inch or I’ll risk another painful episode. This is when I’m an emotional mess and just whimper and cry my pain away. But one thing I realized is how to really appreciate my diamond days. We always tend to take for granted the small things. But now whenever I am able to smile, I say a small prayer and thank God for giving me the ability to show how I feel. I savor the laughter shared with Mikee & Kami (my toddler nieces). I relish each bite when I eat, and I take pleasure every moment with my significant other. I bask in happiness whenever I can brush my hair and wash my face thoroughly, knowing that there will be days that I cannot do them without the fear of bouts of pain.

Today is not a very good day. It is way beyond a zombie day. Earlier, my episode lasted for almost 45 minutes. That was a first. Usually it just takes 15 seconds of agony, and I cannot believe how I was able to make it after almost an hour of pain. It was like a drum session; there are slow beats and fast beats, hard hits and soft hits. I’ve already recited a set of rosary, prayed the Prayer for the Sick countless of times, imagined myself where I want to be, like sunbathing in Boracay with Jonah’s Mango Milkshake in hand, finally getting my own apartment here in US and arranging the interiors, getting another apartment in the middle of Makati, traveling by train all over Europe. I felt like a hundred movies had already played in my mind but the drum session is still not over. I cannot even figure how it hurts to even blink! And the feeling of a single tear rolling on my cheek makes the pain worse.

My mom found me while I was at the peak of the attack. She gave me tissue to wipe my tears but I used it to cover my face so she won’t see how bad I feel. It was actually pretty funny, because no matter how I try to hide my face, she will just find another angle where she can watch me. I mean, c’mon Mom, I would like to suffer in dignity! That was the first time she really saw how I am during an attack. I have always managed to hide whenever I felt an episode is coming.

I hope tomorrow is a better day. I have come to accept that my bed is my best friend. For now.

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    It was a dark & rainy Thursday morning 6.21.07 and I have prepared myself to drive to the corporate office (30 miles from my company location) to attend the Mentor Program Kick-off Celebration.  I hate to admit this ‘coz it’s kinda odd & funny but, it was my 1st time to drive alone on a freeway.  Just passed the driving test a couple of weeks ago.  I’m usually spoiled by my passengers who are always kind enough to read the highway signs & direct me to the right exit.  Plus, there had never been a need for me to use freeways on my daily course to work or my weekly route to shopping malls.  So I was excited & a bit restless but very optimistic I would reach my destination though, 1 slight wrong turn would lead me to another state. Uh-oh, should be real careful and alert this time..

    As I enter the ramp to the highway, my eyes could not believe the long line of bumper-to-bumper traffic caused by a 3-car accident.  Three lanes were shut down from the 5-lane Texas mile-wide freeway.  The result: A total disaster!   As soon as I got into my senses,  I was wishing to turn my wheels backwards.  Alas, I was already part of this misery.

    After turning a 5-min drive into a 30-min ride, I finally made it through the traffic bottleneck.  It was all smooth until the time of changing lanes and then of freeways.  I was coming from the outer most (right most) lane going to the inner most (left most) acceleration lane on a .8-mile distance.  Considering that I might end up in a different state on a single wrong turn, I drove aggressively.  There was actually 1 lady who honked at me b’coz of the way I switched lanes.  [Sorry missy, but I didn’t wanna miss my exit.]

    I was running 70 mph on a 60 mph speed limit freeway and to my surprise, I was at the rank of 3rd place –> to the LAST!  OMG, vehicles were flying on a wet road with an average rate of 90 mph.  They didn’t care whether it was raining or not.  It didn’t matter to them what kind of automobile they were using: may it be a sedan, SUV, or even a fully-loaded trailer.  For them, we were all there just sharing the same pathway to reach each individual’s destination on a specific period of time.

This whole thing is indeed a good learning & rewarding experience.   It gave me an absolutely wonderful feeling — some kind of fulfillment and a BIG SMILE.  As I relate it to life, FREEWAY symbolizes our quest here on earth.  Every now and then, we will encounter different kinds of drivers (people who have crossed our path).  Some may share the same pace (those who have touched our lives) and others who don’t (plain acquaintances).  But what matters the most is that:

1. We know the rules of driving (Moral principles of life)
2. We know our destination (What we want in life)
3. We should be cautious/defensive drivers (Careful & dignified)
4. Have fun driving (Appreciate & enjoy every minute of life)

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There was a time in my life that seems to be many eons ago, when it was just easy and fun to live. That was during my youth. At that point I can’t wait to grow old and do things my way. I can still remember my last year of high school when I can’t wait for graduation day to come.

I was so excited to begin a new phase in my life. Who wouldn’t be? Here I was coming from what was considered a small school compared to where I was headed. At that point, I was fortunate enough to be accepted to De La Salle University. I thought I was on top of the world. I was brushing shoulders with the sons and daughters of the Captains of industry, lawmakers and the rich and famous. They came from high schools like Ateneo, La Salle GH, UPIS, Phil Science, Assumption, St. Scholastica and the likes. Needless to say I got lost in the hoopla. I didn’t give myself a chance to be myself instead I lived a life that wasn’t mine. After a year, I was brought back to earth when my father decided it was enough; I had my chance and that’s all I will get.

Compared to many dropouts, I guess I was still lucky. I was able to get employed on then Subic Bay Naval Base working as an apprentice in the Ship’s Repair Facility. I hated everyday I was there and payday was my only consolation. I squandered my paycheck in booze and working girls. At 18 years old, I was just getting old too fast. Then a tragedy hit me. My mom passed away unexpectedly a month after my 19th birthday. At that point I didn’t care anymore. My dad and I can never be in the same room together after that. The only person keeping us together was gone. I have no comfort of having a sibling that will care. Most of them were in the US already and I felt so alone.

Just when everything seems so dim I came across a bright light in the form of the US Navy exam. This was my only chance to get away and was fortunate to pass it. I immediately resigned from my apprenticeship and enjoyed my last eight months in the Philippines not knowing that it as going to be the last time in the next 23 years.

Navy came, got married and had kids. Although I was still living at somewhat a very fast pace, it wasn’t until I got sick and was medically discharged from the service that I took the time to reflect on my previous life. I made a lot of mistakes. I should have a better relationship with my father, my brothers and my sisters. The latter two mistakes I was able to rectify but it was too late to undo the mistake with my dad. I lost him too before I realized I was the son and the one who should understand. I blamed him for not getting another chance to go back to my beloved La Salle. I blamed him for my mom’s short life. Most of all, I blamed him for anything that went wrong.

Now being a parent of two teenage boys, I am learning to be a much better parent. I meant to be available for them anytime: the way my father wasn’t.

There was a saying “beware of what you wished for.” I can certainly attest to that. I tried to jumpstart my early years and in the process I missed out on a lot. People say I am lucky. I have a nice house and have lots of nice toys, but somehow I feel empty inside. I failed in most things that mattered. I did not graduate from collage. I did not even get to finish my Navy career. I will gladly give up everything just to have another day with my mom. But time flies by and once it does, then it is gone.

As for you young people all across the world, enjoy your youth but also be patient. Wait for your time. Don’t be like me. I am paying a terrible price for missing out the real beauties of life. Focus on the good things like family, friends and religion. They are very important. Everything else would just be icing on the cake. I am now 43 years old but felt a lot older than my actual age. I am unable to work but still fortunate enough for my wife compensates for the lost of income. My wife practically allows me to do anything I please just to keep me happy. My friends think it is great life. However, I can attest that it is boring and am sure not the kind of life you would like to live.

Please, I am pleading to all of you young folks out there. Do something for yourself. Don’t be like me. Enjoy and savor every moment of your life no matter how it is. Look forward for the next day, enjoy the present, and always remember the past.

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OUR HOPES AND STRUGGLES COMING TO AMERICA

This was my family’s transition story. 

I arrived here in the US from a family petition in early 2005, enlisted in the Navy late that year and was able to get my citizenship within six months after graduating from recruit training.  If not due to deployment, I could have brought my family in the US within the same year. 

The application process we went through may be different from yours.   Therefore, I still recommend that you consult a professional about your situation.  This blog will cover my family petitioning experience/process.  Apologize for the lengthy blog, but I have included some reference links and forms we used to complete the process. 

From U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE - http://travel.state.gov/

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/immigrants_1340.html <—Immigrants to the U.S.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1315.html <—Spouse and Fiance(e) of an American Citizen
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2991.html <—Immigrant Visa for a Spouse (IR1 or CR1)

From VisaJourney.com

Step-by-Step Guide on How to File an I-130 for Relative (spouse) Outside the US

These are the basic steps required by the US Citizen. These steps should be followed as a guideline and not as specific requirements for any given case. Every case is unique and this does not address that uniqueness.
Note to K3 Applicants: This process also applies to K3 Visa applicants whom have had their I-130 approved prior to their I-129f. In this case you may chose to pursue the I-130 path as opposed the the K3. This will allow the immigrating relative to enter as a permanent resident as opposed to having to file for adjustment once here. If the I-129f is later approved and forwarded to the embassy then you can write them to request the approved I-130 be acted on and the K-3 process abandoned.

Download the Following Forms:

USCIS Immigration Forms Website Link

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

1. I-130

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-130instr.pdf

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-130.pdf

2. G-325a

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d7c84154d7b3d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/g-325a.pdf

The above forms can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date them as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can handwrite (very neatly) in black ink in the blank instead. You should always verify the current forms at www.uscis.gov.

Assembling the I-130 Package: Checklist
Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.):

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check if allowed by the Service Center (as of 4/2005 they do allow this). If not, use a money order so you can track the payment.

2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what you are petitioning for (I-130), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.   

3. Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative

4. Copy of the full Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen’s passport. This is used to establish citizenship.

5. A copy of petitioner’s proof of naturalization. (If applicable)

6. A copy of petitioner’s proof of permanent residency. (If applicable)

7. A copy of the intending immigrant’s birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English) (no longer needed)

8. A copy of your marriage certificate (If not inEnglish then again get a translation)

9. If either you or your spouse were previously married, submit copies of documents showing that all prior marriages were legally terminated (court certified copies of the petitioner’s and/or intending immigrant’s divorce documents).

10. A copy of a prior spouse’s death certificate. (If one or both of you were married before, and the prior spouse died)

11. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated

12. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the petitioner. Write the full name on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag “Photo of <Insert Name>”. Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

13. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the non-US Citzen spouse signed and dated

14. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the non-US Citzen spouse. Write the full name of the beneficiary on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag “Photo of (insert name) “. Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

15. Evidence of a bonafide marriage (see note below for what to include)

Note: Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage
The USCIS now requires that when filing an I-130 for a spouse that you include evidence of a bonifide marriage. They list examples of acceptable evidence as:

1. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or
2. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or
3. Documentation showing co-mingling of financialresources; or
4. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, thepetitioner, and your spouse together; or
5. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties havingpersonal knowledge of the bona fides of the maritalrelationship (Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner ofbeneficiary, if any, and complete information and detailsexplaining how the person acquired his or herknowledge of your marriage); or
6. Any other relevant documentation to establish that thereis an ongoing marital union.

Mail the I-130 Package to the USCIS

Effective December 3, 2007, all petitioners filing stand-alone Form I-130 are encouraged to submit their petitions to the Chicago Lockbox instead of a USCIS Service Center. I-130 petitions filed with the Chicago Lockbox will be routed to, and adjudicated at, the appropriate USCIS Service Center. This routing will be based on the petitioner’s place of residence in the United States. You will receive a notice in the mail indicating what Service Center your petition was routed to.

–o Petitioners who reside in AK, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MS, MT, Nebraska, NV, ND, OH, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, or WY are encouraged to file their stand-alone Form I-130s with the Lockbox using the following address: USCIS P.O. Box 804625 Chicago, IL 60680-1029

–o Petitioners who reside in AL, AR, CT, DL, FL, GA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, Puerto Rico, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, U.S. Virgin Islands, WV, or District of Columbia are encouraged to file their stand-alone Form I-130 with the Lockbox using the following address: USCIS P.O. Box 804616 Chicago, IL 60680-1029

Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS.  IMPORTANT!
Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence.

What Happens After You Mail the I-130?

A few weeks after you have sent your petition to the USCIS you will receive a Notice of Action (aka NOA) letter indicating that they have begun processing your I-130 application. You can check the status of your application as well as other processing time information here.

When your I-130 petition is finally approved, the service center that processed your petition, will send you another Notice of Action letter indicating your approval, and the forwarding of your approved petition to the National Visa Processing Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, along with a phone number to contact the NVC with. Your case will now only be dealt with by the NVC. The service center that you filed with, will have no more knowledge on the status of your petition or case.

A few weeks after you have received your last Notice of Action indicating the approval and forwarding of your I-130 application to the NVC, the NVC will send your relative a packet of forms that you and your relative must fill out before your relative can be given an interview date with a consulate abroad. The packet will likely contain an Of-169 form, and an Of-230 part one and two forms that must be filled out by the intending immigrant. An I-864 form is also included that must be filled out by the petitioner (living in the US). The I-864 is the Affidavit of Support form that requires copies of the petitioners past 3 U.S tax returns (or tax transcripts which are free from the IRS) as well as any bank or financial records available (see the I-864 for exact requirements based on your case). The petitioner must make at least 125% above the U.S federal poverty to indicate to the U.S government that the intending immigrant will not become a federal charge to the government when he/she arrives in the U.S.. If the petitioner cannot meet these requirements, then he/she must still file an I-864, and find a joint sponsor who can meet the requirements on his/her own. When a joint sponsor is needed ,proof of their U.S citizenship or permanent residency is required. (i.e. copy of birth certificate, immigration status etc). The joint sponsor must be residing in the U.S, and he/she must also submit his/her past 3 years U.S tax returns along with bank or any other financial records available. The joint sponsor must submit his/her own I-864 form to accompany the petitioner’s I-864 form.

Forms that may be either sent back (or requested to be gathered and kept for the interview) to the NVC or the consulate abroad (depending upon which consulate you are going through) before an interview date with a consulate abroad can be scheduled are as follows:

Pre-Interview Forms / Items:

1. Completed and signed OF-169. http://www.hmi-usa.com/OF169.pdf

2. Completed and signed Of-230 Part 1 and 2 forms.  http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/81807.pdf <—LINK TO APPLICATION FOR IMMIGRANT VISA AND ALIEN REGISTRATION OR DS-230 PART I AND II

3. I-864 Affidavit of Support Form along with past 3 year U.S tax returns (or transcripts) and any other financial documents required.

Poverty Guidelines

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=73c63591ec04d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864P.pdf

Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b70f8875d714d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864.pdf

Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=0c7e8875d714d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864A.pdf

Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=15d05d4c6608e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864EZ.pdf

Intending Immigrant’s Affidavit of Support Exemption <–For minor kids

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=02055d4c6608e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864W.pdf

Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=1ba892623014d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-865.pdf

Change of Address <–IF SPONSOR CHANGES ADDRESS, THE PETITIONED IMMIGRANT NEEDS TO FILE THIS FORM OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS,

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c1a94154d7b3d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/ar-11.pdf

YOU CAN DO THIS ONLINE ALSO:

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa.Terms

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa.Prompt.Citizen

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa.cr.Residence <–FOR THE IMMIGRANT, USCIS Online Change of Address Electronic AR-11

4. A copy of intending immigrants biographic page of passport(s) including expiration date.
5. Original or certified “long” birth certificate. *
6. Original adoption decree. (if applicable)
7. Marriage certificate. (if applicable)
8. Divorce decree(s) or death certificate(s) (if applicable)
9. Police certificate(s) **
10. Court and prison records.(if applicable)
11. Custody records. (if applicable)
12. Military records (if applicable)

* Per the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), they may also be unavailable. Or certain countries don’t have individual birth certificates as understood in the US, but the FAM will describe the suitable document. The consulate can explain the alternate requirements to the beneficiary in detail.

** On police clearances, as per the FAM, they may be unavailable. Or with some countries [Korea comes to mind], they will be sent directly to the consulate from the involved government. The consulate can explain the alternate requirements to the beneficiary in detail.
After the NVC or Consulate Abroad receives the above forms and supporting documents (which may not all be required to mail back at that time), an interview date will be scheduled for the intending immigrant at a consulate abroad. The NVC or the consulate abroad will send your relative a letter indicating at what time and day the interview is scheduled for, and of required forms that must be brought to the interview. Make two copies of each original document or piece of evidence below and bring them with you. Documents needed are:
Interview Forms / Items:

1. Valid Passport.
2. Original or certified “long” birth certificate. *
3. Original adoption decree. (if applicable)
4. Original or certified copy of the marriage certificate. (if applicable)
5. Original death certificate. (if applicable)
6. Original divorce decree. (if applicable)
7. Police certificate. **
8. Court record(s) (if applicable).
9. I-864 Affidavit of Support Form along with past 3 year U.S tax returns (or transcripts) and any other financial documents required. (see poverty limits here)
10. Court and prison records.(if applicable)
11. Medical examination information
12. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the spouse or benefitiary

* You should have the originals on hand at this point for the Final Interview. Per the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), they may also be unavailable. Or certain countries don’t have individual birth certificates as understood in the US, but the FAM will describe the suitable document. The consulate can explain the alternate requirements to the beneficiary in detail.

** On police clearances, as per the FAM, they may be unavailable. Or with some countries [Korea comes to mind], they will be sent directly to the consulate from the involved government. The consulate can explain the alternate requirements to the beneficiary in detail. On The day of your relatives (or spouses) interview, he/she must bring EVERY document listed above that applies to your case, and should be prepared for a long wait. There may be additional forms required. The interview appointment sheet will contain a list of everything you must bring. It will also tell you the payment amount due and the forms of payment accepted.

The interview can last for as littles as 10 minutes or up to an hour depending upon your specific case. You relative will take an oath under US law to tell the truth, and it is very important that your relative answer every question as truthfully as possible. In general, it is a good idea that your relative bring documentation to prove strong ties and a relationship with you, the petitioner. (i.e. phone bills, letters etc.) If the consulate officer approves your relative’s immigrant visa application, your relative will be issued an immigrant visa that allows your relative to become a US permanent resident. Your relative will become a U.S permanent resident only when he/she enters the U.S at a port of entry, until this time, he/she only has an immigrant visa that is valid up to 6 months from the interview date. If your relative cannot immigrate to the U.S within the 6 month allotted time, then his/her immigrant visa will expire, and the I-130 process must start all over again.

Also, if your relative is your wife or husband and you have been married for less then 2 years at the time of his/her arrival at a port of entry, then he/she will receive a temporary I-551 Stamp and then later a Green Card by mail good for only 2 years. Ninety days before the green card expires you will have to file an I-751 form to remove it’s conditional status.

The above timeline and reference materials were the experiences we have gone through coming to America.  We hope that they would be helpful for your situation. 

US IMMIGRATION 101 - fromPI to US

    

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Hi !  My name is Katie, a 43 year old small business manager from Monroe, Washington. Like everyone else, I’ve been searching for the magic potion on weight loss for 19 years. I’ve tried every weight loss diet plan in the books, prescription pills and shakes, but none of them worked for me. In desperation I even tried all of those expensive specialty exercise gimmicks seen on infomercials, with no success.  And then, “success”, I lost 124 lbs in 17 months, going from an oversized petite of 5’0” at 234 lbs to my current weight of 110 lbs.

Katie’s Before and After Pictures

Katie’s Pictures for the Today Show 

My story goes like this. On my wedding day I weighed 98 lbs and maintained that for the first year of my marriage. Then I gave birth to my daughter in 1989 and started gaining weight continuously. My basic activity levels just seemed to drop to chasing diapers instead of my morning 5 mile run.

As a result I started feeling sluggish and less motivated for high activity pursuits. In fact, going out to eat at a fine “fattening” restaurant seemed the best form of recreation. Food became the pivot point of our family life with all the rest of my time tied up in the many hours of trying to take care of Samantha, my husband and a full time job.

And if any of you know Filipinos, we love to cook and must have our social eatery gatherings! Ten or fifteen of my friends and I would get together and we’d all cook enough to feed an army; especially the rice and lechon (roast pig). I often laughed with my husband that it all felt like a re-run of the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”

So how did it happen? I don’t know. Every few months I’d look in the mirror and hate the reflection. I’d then rush around to find an innovative way to loose the weight, only to fail miserably after two or three weeks of intense effort and then start the cycle over. After nearly 18 years of this I’d ballooned from 98 lbs to 234 lbs. I’d become very disappointed in myself with low personal esteem and saw only a future based on high-blood prescriptions and diabetes like my Mom.

What makes us change a lifetime of habits? Shock!

The fact that we can all look into a mirror each day and disavow the view, says something for adaptivity, but when that impression is recorded for all prosperity, boy are we in trouble. I couldn’t hide from the view of myself in a video taping of my parents 50^th anniversary. That made me face the absolute reality of how bad things had become. And perhaps my tears of frustration and personal shame finally gave me “absolute motivation”.

But what to do? I’d tried everything, even “fen-phen”. So I sat down and asked myself, “What was common to all of the plans?”; with the obvious answer, diet and exercise. So I decided to bite-the-bullet and go for it. And this time all I had to do was think of that video to re-energize my motivation. I enrolled myself into the local gym and joined weight watchers simultaneously. 

And for the past 17 months (and even now) I’ve gotten up at 3:15 AM  every morning for a brisk 90 minute work out at the gym, before the daily madhouse  starts. It may sound crazy, but finding time to exercise when it doesn’t interfere with our busy day is the excuse we all use. “I sure don’t have many excuses at that hour.”  And of course it wasn’t always easy. In the beginning I’d swear the gym’s floor was on a steep incline.

I also learned what to eat and not to eat, with critical emphasis based on portion size. Coupled with weekly support from my friends within the local Monroe weight watchers’   group, I was finally able to learn how to monitor and control my intake. And I lost weight.

These days I continue my exercise and watch the amount and type of food I eat. I stay away from fried foods, high fat, high sugar etc. and try to maintain a balanced diet of white meats, fish and vegetables, along with many different types of fruits.

And I’d finally come to realize that the magic potion is really part of me and not from external sources. All I really needed was the personal motivation to combine careful portion control with consistent exercise. And 17 months later, I’m 124 lbs lighter, happier, more confident and off  my blood pressure medications completely. I feel good.

Katie’s Success Story as posted in Prevention Magazine

Monroe Monitor: Half the woman she used to be

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