Filipinos came all the way from Bicol, Mindoro, Dagupan, and lined up as early as 5:30 a.m., waiting in line for several hours, just to be able to narrate their situations or seek answers to their immigration questions.

While I was in Manila, I was also able to experience the Filipino way of celebrating the holiday season. The coming of the “ber” months (September, October, November, December) signals the start of the holiday season.

Even though it was only early November, Christmas carols are played on all radio stations. Stores are decorated with various holiday themes, and the malls are full of early holiday shoppers. Many “barangays” were already beaming with Christmas lights and huge lanterns (“parols”). The “parols” made of bamboos and shells along Vito Cruz in Makati, and Gilmore in Mandaluyong, were especially beautiful.

In fact, I bought several parols, which are now hanging in my office. I am sure most Filipinos feel homesick at the sight of those flashing parols.

Christmas is celebrated by every Filipino wherever he may be. The feeling of homesickness and nostalgia are felt more during the Christmas season by those who are away from the Philippines and their families.

My heart goes out to those of you who, because of your immigration problems, are away from your family at this time of the year, and cannot leave the U.S. to even visit them. I know how much you want to be with your family, to spend the holidays in the Philippines.

That is why it is truly rewarding for me when I am able to help a client legalize his status. Almost, without exception, their first thoughts are to spend Christmas with their family. The media noche or noche buena, simbang gabi and the magnificent street fireworks on New Year’s Eve are the things that make the Filipino holiday season truly unforgettable and remarkable.

As the year comes to an end, I continue my commitment to you and your family — “To Help you make your American Dream come true and Bring your family together.”

On behalf of my Filipina wife, Millie, and my staff, “Maligayang Pasko and Masaganang Bagong Taon Sa Inyong Lahat.”

(Editor’s note: Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 25 years, and is an active member of the State Bar of California and New York, as well as the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Immigration Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. 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.

Website: www.gurfinkel.com

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