FAA envisions a safe, personal, bayanihan transition for Filipino newcomers to the American setting.

•	Immigration Assistance. Assistance is provided in filling out forms and following through to successfully hurdle the naturalization process.
•	Employment Assistance. Newcomers are assisted to be self-reliant in their job search and to stay employed.
•	Information and Referral. Newcomers are provided information and referral to help them adjust to life in the U.S.

This whole gamut of direct services is undergirded by the Filipino tradition of bayanihan that seeks to reinvest in the community because of the bounties that a person has received from the community. This is exemplified in active/proactive volunteerism. Ultimately the needs of the most vulnerable in the community are addressed by a proliferation of caring individuals.

Free Naturalization application assistance in Oakland and Union City starting February, 2007. USCIS has already transmitted its proposed new fee structure to the Federal Register. It is available for public viewing and comment at www.regulations.gov for a 60-day period beginning February 1, 2007. The fees which average a 66% increase could take effect in JUne 2007 at the earliest. Naturalization application will jump from $400 to $675. Eligible residents should seriously consider filing their application before June 2007.


Health Care Access

Asian Pacific American Caucus reports that 17.7 of all Asian Americans do not have health insurance. Along with 21.8% of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, there are 2.3 million APIAs without health care coverage. There are low-cost or no cost health care programs available for low-income people. You could be eligible for them CAll us for help.