We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
What’s in a name?
“Yes, Mr. Dimasapoc,” I told my fictional client over the phone. “You can have your name changed when you apply for US citizenship.” “That’s good to know,” Mr. Dimasapoc said, a tinge of relief in his voice. “Uh, can I change it to any name I want?” “Yes, as long as it’s not offensive or repulsive or against the law.” So, that’s how much he hates his birth name, Juan Palatac-bo Dimasapoc, I thought. “Actually, I was thinking of changing it to something more American-sounding, something cool and modern,” he said. “But I’ll think about it some more.” He thanked me and hung up after saying he would call again for an appointment. Yes, there is nothing that prohibits a US naturalization applicant from changing his/her name as part of his/her citizenship application — as long as the new name is not repugnant to morals or basic decency or against the law. For example, a person cannot be named Messiah or Santa Claus, or Adolf Hitler, according to some US court decisions (per usbirthcertificates.com). There are even US court rulings that declared King and Queen as off-limits for use as a person’s moniker. Apparently, that is not the case in the Philippines, where royal-sounding names are popular as middle-class sobriquets, probably because the Filipinos — unlike the Americans — have no historical beef against the ruling monarchies of the olden days. In other countries, specific word names are forbidden such as Snake, Circumcision, Sex Fruit, and Anal, among others (again, per usbirthcertificates.com). Indeed, it is doubtful if these porno-flavored appellations can pass muster even in legally permissive democracies such as the US and the Philippines. Interestingly, Filipinos have a habitual propensity, bordering on the insane, of using nicknames that are “repeat-syllable” types such as Bongbong, Noynoy, Junjun, Tingting, Dondon, Wengweng, and Lotlot, just to name a few, although Uncle Sam has a fair share of “repeat-syllable” names in circulation as well, such as Toto, Jojo, Bebe and the famous (Lady) Gaga, among others. One could just imagine if the syllable Pi or Ti or Pek or Pok or Pu or Su had been among the favorites in the Philippines. Regardless of whether or not these various name idiosyncrasies are permissible within the US immigration system, it is a must that any name change request be expressly indicated on the US citizenship application form (Form N-400) and affirmed in person before a US Citizenship and Immigration Services or CIS officer for it to prosper. Otherwise, the applicant will have to do it outside of the naturalization process which is not only costly but is time-consuming as well. If submitted properly, the applicant will be asked to sign a petition for a name change during the citizenship interview which will be submitted to a federal court after the citizenship application has been approved. Prior to the oath-taking ceremony, the petition will be signed by a federal judge and will be handed over to the newly-minted US citizen during the actual oath-taking event along with the certificate of naturalization. From that time on, Uncle Sam’s new subject will be able to use his/her chosen moniker. Continuing with Mr. Dimasapoc’s saga, he called again a week after the initial phone call to set up an appointment for his US citizenship case. We agreed on a date and time for an office visit. Before he hung up, he blurted out, quite excitedly: “By the way, Attorney, I have already decided on a new name.” “That’s good. What will it be?” “Jonjon Tacboparra Dimasapoc, Attorney. J.T. Dimasapoc, for short.” I guess logic trumps vanity, after all. The post What’s in a name? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
App poses hurdle to migrants
Thousands of Asian and Latino migrants are pinning their hopes of entering the United States from Mexico to a US app intended to manage the mass crossing. Others are turning themselves in to American authorities for processing, ahead of the change in US border regulations scheduled for midnight Thursday that could complicate their entry into the country. The fate of tens of thousands of people seeking asylum at the US’ southern border will, from Friday, hinge on the Custom and Border Protection’s CBP One app which would-be migrants must access to register their name, date of birth, details of their travel documents, and upload a photograph. However, for poor, exhausted people whose phones don’t work, or who have no access to WiFi or electricity, using the app is an almost-impossible hurdle. It’s harder still for those whose phones were broken or stolen on the long trek north. “It’s amazing that an app practically decides our lives and our future,” Jeremy de Pablos, a 21-year-old Venezuelan who has camped out in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez for weeks, told Agence France-Presse. De Pablos, who has dark skin, said the hardest part of using the CBP One app was the facial recognition — an issue that many migrants with darker complexions have pointed to. Those who have phones search for exposed wires from street lights to charge them, and save every penny they have to buy credit to access the Internet. But the challenge does not end there. Venezuelan Ronald Huerta on Wednesday couldn’t get past the application’s language settings. Ana Paola, a 14-year-old Venezuelan, cried disconsolately because the application had been updated and all the information for her family had been deleted. WITH AFP “I’m tired! I can’t take it anymore!” the teenager shouted as she repeatedly clicked “Submit” to recreate the family’s profiles — receiving an “Error 500” message every time. Meanwhile, at Border Patrol checkpoints, authorities separate men from women and transfer them to different processing centers. “When they detain us, they take good care of us. They take us to a cell, they bring us food, and a process of questions begins, as well as a DNA sample, a routine process I imagine for migrants. After that, they are given the freedom to go,” Rossi Carrillo, 26, explained in downtown Brownsville, Texas. “They give us a paper for an appointment with the judge” who decides if migrants can remain in the country, she said. The post App poses hurdle to migrants appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Parañaque launches online platform for business dealings
Parañaque City has launched several online services, with its Business Permits and Licensing Office taking the lead in the use of an online appointment system and application process for business-related transactions......»»
Para& ntilde;aque introduces online appointment and application for business transactions
The Parañaque City Government launched recently several on-line services with the business permits and licensing office (BPLO) taking the lead in the use of an online appointment system and application process for business-related transactions. .....»»
Thousands join Porac town earthquake drill
Thousands join Porac town earthquake drill.....»»
Lalamove empowers aspiring women entrepreneurs to start their small businesses in PangNegosyo program
Lalamove, a leading on-demand delivery platform, has launched the Panalong PangNegosyo program for its thousands of women partner drivers to give out a business-starter package to three lady riders or drivers......»»
Villarreal Football Academy opens in Philippines
Villarreal Philippines Academy will provide unrivalled opportunities for football players all over the Philippines by working hand in hand with Villarreal CF to implement the Yellows’ innovative methodology for the development of its players and coaches......»»
Philippines declares 'strategic defeat' of NPA rebels
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines declared on Tuesday a "strategic defeat" of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels, who have been fighting against the government since the 1960s, saying there is no more active guerilla fronts in the country. Eduardo Ano, National Security Adviser and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said "thousands" of NPA insurgents have decided to return t.....»»
Thousands celebrate Women s Month in Talisay
Thousands celebrate Women s Month in Talisay.....»»
Sarangani Writers League welcomes 11 new members, all women
ALABEL, Sarangani (MindaNews / 24 March) – The Sarangani Writers League (SWL) recently welcomed its new members, all of them women, for helping develop the literary community in the province of Sarangani. The new members successfully navigated the application process, fulfilled all requirements, and surpassed the evaluation criteria: Catherine R. Discorson, Mariele M. Gallego, and Eva […].....»»
Argentina: Firearms Resolution Opens Door to Abuse
Argentina: Firearms Resolution Opens Door to Abuse.....»»
Philippines declares 'strategic defeat' of NPA rebels
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines declared on Tuesday a "strategic defeat" of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels, who have been fighting against the government since the 1960s, saying there is no more active guerilla fronts in the country. Eduardo Ano, National Security Adviser and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said "thousands" of NPA insurgents have decided to return t.....»»
Rappler Talk: Leila de Lima, a woman of faith
In this Holy Week episode, former senator Leila de Lima opens up about faith, forgiveness, and the godsent pets who kept her company in nearly seven years in jail.....»»
Billions for commercial tuna industry, crumbs for fisherfolk
Months of investigation by Bulatlat revealed that the booming commercial tuna industry in General Santos City, dubbed the Philippines’ “tuna capital,” favors industrial scale commercial fishing fleets at the expense of the livelihood of thousands of ordinary fisherfolk. The post Billions for commercial tuna industry, crumbs for fisherfolk appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
PSA opens PhilSys registration for ages 1 to 4
Children ages one to four years old can now register with the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) for the national ID......»»
Capitol opens first hemodialysis center in Camotes Islands
Capitol opens first hemodialysis center in Camotes Islands.....»»
AboitizPower names new president
Aboitiz Power Corp. the listed power arm of the Aboitiz Group, has announced the appointment of Danel Aboitiz as the next president and CEO of the company starting July 1......»»
DOT seeks inclusion in protected areas board amid Chocolate Hills issue
Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco —INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo After the recent controversy surrounding a resort development near Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town, Bohol, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced plans to advocate for its inclusion in the national government’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated during a.....»»
Extreme Heat as a ‘New Pandemic’: Thousands in PH Cancel Classes During ‘Hottest Year’
(Part 1 of 2) CEBU CITY, Philippines — The decades-old Gabaldon building of Leyte National High School in Tacloban City has narrow hallways, high and dark ceilings, and overcrowded classrooms. On hot and humid days, the rooms can feel stuffy and suffocating, prompting students like Dwight Lebrea, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student, to find ways.....»»
Jake Cuenca opens up on 3-year sobriety
Jake Cuenca said that giving up alcohol has been the “best decision in my life.”.....»»