Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

I am sure that most people are aware of the controversy surrounding Willie Revillame’s comments about airing Cory’s funeral procession during a live broadcast of Wowowee. Willie felt it was awkward, inappropriate, and out of place for people to be laughing, dancing, and singing on Wowowee, while there was an on-screen video feed of a funeral. He would have favored a taped-delayed broadcast of Wowowee, so the funeral procession could have full, live coverage.

Willie meant well, and intended well. And even his harshest critics and detractors would have to honestly admit or agree that he was right: it was awkward and out of place to have a live broadcast of people laughing and having a good time along side the image of a coffin making its way down the streets of Manila.

While Willie meant well, people said he did not express himself well. And that provides a valuable lesson for people applying for immigration benefits. There are many times that a person’s case was denied, not because they were not entitled to the immigration benefit they were seeking, but instead, because they did not express themselves well at the interview or hearing. I have heard countless stories of people who were denied because they answered a question the wrong way. They meant to say one thing, but they did not express themselves well, or did not use the correct words. So, what they said came out different from what they actually intended. As a result, the consul or immigration officer misunderstood what the person meant to say, and instead denied the case only because the person could not express themselves as well as could be desired.

In the case of Willie, he was trying to be respectful and thought it awkward to have the gaiety of Wowowee affect the solemnity of the funeral. But some people misinterpreted his intentions because he did not choose the best words to express his feelings, which were said in the midst of a live broadcast. And while it is true that there were a few thousand vocal critics, there are millions of adoring fans, who are starting to speak out in his support. Simply put, Willie was misunderstood, and some people over-reacted to something he never meant or intended.

Fortunately, as of the writing of this article, people are starting to realize what Willie was trying to say, and are coming out in his support. Hundreds of people demonstrated in front of ABS-CBN studios, clamoring for Willie’s return to Wowowee. ABS-CBN has issued a public statement in Willie’s support, and many columnists are writing that regardless of what a person may have felt about what Willie said, his reaction was logical, reasonable, and valid.

In your immigration case, if you have an interview or court hearing, you should learn from Willie’s example. You may not be able to express yourself well if you try to handle the matter on your own. You may say the wrong things, use the wrong words, and be misunderstood, resulting in the possible denial of your case.

That is why I would recommend that you seek the assistance of a reputable attorney to represent you at such a critical stage in your immigration case, so as to avoid all the headaches and problems that could occur if you don’t express yourself well or are misunderstood by the consul, immigration officer, or judge.

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Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein (including testimonials, "Success Stories," endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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( Published on August 20, 2009 in Asian Journal Northern California p. B3 )