New Year, new millennium, new hope - Immigration Corner

As the year (and century) came to a close, let us remember that we did not just end another year. We were the witnesses to the closing (and beginning of) a new decade, of a new century, and a new millennium. The stroke of midnight on December 31, 1999, was more significant than the previous ones in the last 999 years.

For my part, I am thankful that I have helped many people this past year to be reunited with their loved ones, and to fulfill the American Dream. It is truly rewarding to me in seeing families, separated for so many years, reunited again, or knowing that some people, who have lived in fear and anxiety for many years, can now live peacefully and productively in the United States. It is also gratifying to know that by helping people with their immigration problems, you are able to give them new hope, and a reason to look forward to better days (and years).

A new year always means new hope and a new beginning to people. For those who were blessed the past year with the joy of being reunited with their long separated loved ones, the new year offers a better life and a new goal. They can now pursue their dreams in America more confidently, knowing that they have their family to turn to for support when they face challenges, that they can share their blessings with their family when they succeed, and that they can turn to their family for encouragement when things go wrong.

For those who are still far from their loved ones, the new year again lends another chance to pursue that dream of finally being reunited with their family. But unless they start taking steps to legalize their status, or to bring their families to America, their hope may turn to despair. To hope or to wish is not enough. One must do something to make that hope a reality.

By simply starting to take steps to be reunited with your family, you will already be giving your family members in the Philippines a gift of hope. They will be filled with hope, looking forward to the near future, when they can join you in the United States and pursue a better life together, as one family.

This year -- as in all previous years--I resolve to continue my law office's goals of "Bringing Families Together" and `Helping Make the American Dream Come True." It is one New Year's resolution that I have made everyday of the year, and will continue to make in the coming new years.

Happy New Year!

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for 20 years. He has always excelled in school: Valedictorian in High School; Cum Laude at UCLA; and Law Degree Honors and academic scholar at Loyola Law School, which is one of the top law schools in California. He is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Immigration Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

His offices are located at 219 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California, 91203 Telephone: (818)543-5800. His Makati office is located at Heart Tower, Unit 701, 108 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, Philippines; Telephone:894-0258 or 894-0239

(This is for informational purposes only, and reflects the firm's opinions and views on general issues. No prediction, warranty or guarantee can be made about the results of any case. Should you need or want legal advice, you should consult with and retain counsel of your own choice.)