New Spanish Law Offers Citizenship For Those With These Last Names

There's lately been palpable excitement on Latin American social media, and maybe even among latinos in the U.S., about some new "Spanish law" (as in, a law from Spain) that supposedly would grant citizenship to people with certain surnames, from Sanchez to Rosales, and Beltran, Morales, Fuentes, Jimenez, Rubio, Nathan, and almost 5,200 other Sephardic names. But this doesn't mean that you could just stroll into the Spanish Embassy and ask for your Spanish citizenship. But you can, unless you can prove that I'm you are a Sephardic Jew or descendant from those who were banished from Spain by the Catholic rulers of the 15th and 16th centuries after the last of the Moors were expelled from Europe. The Moors, or Muslim rulers of southern...

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Posted in: Immigration News , Sephardic names , Spanish citizenship , Spanish law

BBC Investigation Uncovers More Large Scale Student Visa Immigration Fraud

An investigation by the BBC’s flagship Panorama documentary programme has identified systemic immigration fraud related to the government’s Tier 4 Student Visa scheme.  Over 200,000 student visas are approved annually, along with a further 100,000 extension to those already studying at British universities and colleges.Qualifications for Tier 4 visas are relatively stringent, and include a verbal and written English test, a 200-question multiple choice test, relevant academic qualifications, adequate support funds and sponsorship by a recognised UK academic institution.  Panorama infiltrated a number of immigration consultancies by sending in bona-fide students posing as would-be clients. Consultants at the agencies were caught...

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Posted in: Immigration News , Student Visa Immigration Fraud , Tier 4 Student Visa scheme , UK Immigration

Taiwan Works on Simplified Visa Process for Cruise Travelers

Taiwan will take on the growing cruise market by launching a program to simplify the visa application process for travelers visiting the island's ports, an official from Taiwan International Ports Corporation said Friday. The National Immigration Agency (NIA) and Ministry of Transportation and Communications have recently reached an agreement to outline measures to simplify the visa process for travelers arriving on cruise liners, said Wei Shuo-liang, a spokesman for the Port of Keelung, which is under the management of the company. The measures will be similar to a visa free program and will not require advanced applications, Wei said, adding that visitors will receive a temporary travel pass onboard after their cruise operators notify...

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Posted in: taiwan tourism , taiwan travel , visa application process

Thousands of Immigrants Become US Citizens to Mark Presidents’ Day

Almost 18,000 people became US citizens in ceremonies across the country to mark Presidents’ Day, according to figures released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS.) ‘I am very proud that nearly 18,000 immigrants have become US citizens. It is special for our newest citizens to take their Oaths of Allegiance as we celebrate Presidents’ Day,’ said USCIS Acting Director Lori Scialabba. ‘Our newest citizens will help shape our nation’s future. Through the contributions they make, and by choosing to naturalize, they reinforce America’s unique heritage as a nation of immigrants,’ Scialabba added. The United States welcomes thousands of foreign workers in multiple occupations or employment categories every year. These...

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Posted in: Immigration News , US citizens , us immigration , US Visa

Paris: Still the World's No.1 Tourist Destination

Some 32.3 million tourists say France's city of light and romance can't be beat. Paris was once again last year the world's top tourist destination, the regional tourism body said on Monday, citing hotel occupancies. Despite some tough global economic conditions, it said 2013 was a very good year for tourism in Paris and the surrounding Ile-de-France region, with foreign visitors at "the highest level in 10 years". The nearly 15.5 million foreign visitors to the French capital represented an 8.2 percent increase from 2012. The largest number (2.1 million) came across the Channel from Britain, followed by the Americans, Germans, Italians and Chinese. It also marked the first time the Chinese topped the list of tourists from Asia with...

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Posted in: Paris , travel news , World's No.1 Tourist Destination

Puerto Galera Will do a Huge Task of Rebranding

As one of the Top 45 Must-Visit Beaches in the Philippines, Puerto Galera  has white sand beaches, clear blue waters, rich reefs for diving, a 10-minute drive to lush mountains, an alluring waterfall and various available accommodations should make this municipality among the country's top tourism spots, but it has not yet been so. Local residents and businesses in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro are mainly sustained by the 200,000 foreign and domestic tourists every year--a mere fraction of Boracay's 1.2 million visitors. Mayor Hubbert Dolor admits that the picturesque coastal town deserves more than to be known primarily for its rowdy, booming nightlife. "We need... promotions," Dolor said in an interview with Philstar.com....

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Posted in: philippine travel , philippine travel news , puerto galera

Trends In USCIS Processing Of L-1B Petitions

Analysis of new data obtained from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") reveals a dramatic increase in the number of L-1B Non Immigrant visa petitions filed, approved and denied, as well as the number of Requests for Evidence ("RFEs") issued by the two Service Centers responsible for processing L-1 petitions, the California Service Center ("CSC") and the Vermont Service Center ("VSC"). This data was released in response to a Freedom of Information request filed by the American Immigration Law Association ("AILA"). As you can see from the chart below, the data reveals an increase in L-1B denial from 27% in FY2011 to 30% in FY2012 and 34% in FY2013.  These rates mark a distinct trend in steep increases from prior years:...

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Posted in: Immigration News , U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services , US Visa , USCIS

Top 45 Must-Visit Beaches in the Philippines - Part 5

Calaguas, Camarines Norte Situated in the northernmost part of Bicol region, specifically Camarines Norte, are the islands of Calaguas which are famous for its long stretch of beaches endowed with mysterious beauty and charm. Mahabang Buhangan/Halabang BayBay, which means long beach, is deemed as the most sought-after beach in Calaguas owing to its picture-perfect haven.  Boracay Boracay is by far regarded as the most famous fully-developed beach paradise in Caticlan, Panay Island due to its fine white sand, turquoise-clear waters, picturesque scenery and ideal place to party with a huge crowd of tourists. Boracay is also considered as an ideal vacation destination to experience diverse, breathtaking sports and tour activities...

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Posted in: philippine Tourism , philippine travel , Top 45 Must-Visit Beaches in the Philippines

Top 45 Must-Visit Beaches in the Philippines - Part 4

Dakak Beach in Dapitan Zamboanga del Norte Dakak Park and Beach Resort is undeniably one of the closest regions in the southern end of Mindanao which offers a scenic vacation getaway with its natural splendor and seclusion. Renowned to keep away from the typhoon danger zones, Dakak is highly esteemed as one of the perfect all-season destination for travellers especially for those who long for the rich, untainted beauty of the underwater kingdom. Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental If you want a place where you can surf your heart out in a not so far flung portion of Davao then Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental is the ultimate destination to consider. Dahican shows off its heart-pumping surf breaks which are perfect for amateur...

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Posted in: philippine Tourism , philippine travel , Top 45 Must-Visit Beaches in the Philippines

Top 45 Must-Visit Beaches in the Philippines - Part 3

Sumilon Island, Cebu You fell in love with Oslob because of its friendly whale sharks then all the more will you love Sumilon Island. Sumilon Island is located in Southeastern Coast of Oslob, Cebu and is well-adored for its romantic beach, rich marine life, verdant forest and delicious food. Anguib Beach Sta Ana, Cagayan One of the best beaches to be found in the northeastern portion of the Philippines is Anguib Beach in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Anguib has been considered as the Boracay of the North for several beach aficionados due to its pristine waters and powdery white sand. Sta. Cruz Island Zamboanga City If the white sand beaches no longer get your attention then, the Pink shores in Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga is the ultimate...

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Posted in: philippine Tourism , philippine travel , Top 45 Must-Visit Beaches in the Philippines