I recently received an overseas call from a friend back in law school in Manila. He was able to trace me when he got hold of a copy of my recently published book, “A Guide to U.S. Visas for Filipino Professionals.”
He had a story to tell. He’s presently employed in the government and got involved in – you know what? The on-going “craze” back in our country- what else, corruption!
The case is pending investigation.
He’s considering running away from the long arm of the law. He wants to run to the warm embrace of Lady Liberty on whose statue is written the following inscription:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
In short, my friend wants to seek for asylum in the United States.
Of course, my right off the bat reply was, asylum in the United States is not designed to give protection for someone’s criminal conduct. The asylum law gives protection only to those who have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Remember: asylum is only for those running away from persecution, not prosecution.
Hi Mandy,
This reminds me of former Agriculture Secretary Josephine Bolante who tried to apply for asylum diyan so U.S. Thankfully hindi pinayagan ng korte ang kanyang application for asylum.
Hi Bill,
You’re absolutely right!
Bolante is a classic example of someone running from the law by seeking refuge in the United States via Asylum.
Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty have few words for him: “Throw him the book.”
Again, thanks for your comments.