24 January 2014- Another United States (US) congressman has given his support for the Philippines’ request to be granted a Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York’s 10th District conveyed to Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr. his support for TPS designation for the Philippines when the Consul General called on him at his Manhattan office on January 17.
Consul General De Leon briefed the Congressman about the impact of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines, the plans for the reconstruction and rebuilding of the typhoon-devastated areas, and how the TPS designation will support the rehabilitation efforts in the Philippines.
If the Philippines gets a TPS designation, eligible Filipinos will be allowed to stay and work in the United States so they could support the country’s long-term post-typhoon recovery efforts. The Philippines’ request is now under the consideration of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency that will decide whether or not the Philippines should be given a TPS.
Consul General De Leon and Congressman Nadler also discussed the latest situations in the West Philippine Sea.
Consul General De Leon invited Congressman Nadler to join the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus at the US House of Representatives. The Caucus, composed of Democrats and Republican Representatives, works for the advancement of Philippines-US bilateral relations and looks after the domestic needs and concerns of Filipino-Americans. Congressman Nadler said he was willing to join this grouping.
Since 1992, Congressman Nadler, a Democrat, has been representing the 10th District of New York, which includes West Side of Manhattan, the Financial District and a number of diverse neighborhoods in southwestern Brooklyn. He is a member of the Committee on the Judiciary where he is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Constitution and Civil Justice and a member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. He also sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Consul General De Leon said, “I am thankful to Congressman Nadler for his expression of support for the Philippines’ request for a TPS designation and his willingness to join the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus at the US House of Representatives. Having a legislator of his stature on our side will be beneficial for our cause.”
Joining the Consul General at the meeting with Congressman Nadler were Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron, Mr. Joe Ramos (Chapter Commander, Order of the Knights of Rizal-New York), Ms. Agnes Jamora (Executive Committee Member, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Glenn Chua (former Vice Presiden for External Affairs, Association of Filipino American Accountants of New York), and Atty. Leandro Lachica (President, Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund). END