| DNA Testing for Immigrant Visa Applicants Gaining | | | | and the whole process was actually extremely |
| Popularity | | | | easy.” |
| According to a recent article by Associated Press | | | | Meanwhile, the company coordinated the collection of |
| writer Peter Prengaman, increasing numbers of U.S. | | | | the boys’ genetic specimens with the American |
| immigrants are turning to DNA for | | | | embassy in the Philippines. The couple was told to |
| proof-of-relationship in the application process. The | | | | expect a few weeks for test results to be gathered |
| article cites several reasons for the upswing in | | | | and processed by the US government. It was on a |
| genetic testinginterest; when primary records have | | | | morning in late July that the official word arrived from |
| proven insufficient, the State Department will often | | | | the U.S. embassy in Manila: the visas had been |
| recommend DNA testing as a definitive verification | | | | granted. |
| method. Immigration officials, the article states, focus | | | | “We were so happy,” Eddie explained. |
| the DNA microscope where suspicion of fraud or the | | | | “We couldn’t wait for the boys to come |
| absence of documentation like birth certificates | | | | over, so we bought tickets and flew to the |
| present themselves. | | | | Philippines to meet them.” There, the Bollozos |
| But despite potentially prohibitive costs and some | | | | family spent more than a month together, before |
| initial apprehension about privacy, for many | | | | the four of them departed for the United States, |
| immigrants, the prospect of a speedier application | | | | and the boys’ new Hayward, California home. |
| approval trumps all other considerations. The | | | | While the stringency of DNA testing guidelines can be |
| experience of a recent DNA test customer provides | | | | superficially intimidating to potential applicants like the |
| an ideal example of DNA immigration testing in action. | | | | Bollozos family, visa seekers are quickly attracted to |
| In July 2005 Edilberto and Brenda | | | | the U.S. policy that requires expedited processing of |
| Bollozos were shocked by news from the American | | | | blood relationship cases involving DNA paternity |
| Embassy in Manila that their sons’ visa | | | | testing or other relationship testing, effectively |
| applications had been denied. The notice | | | | simplifying and shortening the pathway to attaining a |
| recommended DNA testing as a means of officially | | | | visa. |
| gathering the necessary evidence. | | | | Naturally, the details of the process and its scientific |
| The couple decided to use a DNA testing company. | | | | roots are the last thing on the mind of individuals like |
| “We just called the 800 number, answered a | | | | Eddie Bollozos. His enthusiasm for the incalculable aid |
| few questions and set up an appointment,” | | | | DNA testing provided to help unite his family is |
| recalls Mr. Bollozos. Within a few days, a DNA | | | | impossible to deny. “It’s wonderful,” |
| collection specialist was in their home, guiding them | | | | Bollozos says. “My sons are finally able to share |
| through the specimen gathering and documentation | | | | my love of this land. |
| process. “They were very friendly and helpful, | | | | |