If you reside in Guyana and require a DNA test to confirm your biological relationship to a US citizen, the below is the U.S. Embassy approved laboratory and contact information.
Eureka Medical Laboratory 263 Thomas Street North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana, South America Telephone: 592 2257574 Fax: 59268979
Approval of an immigrant petition does not convey any right or status. The approved petition simply establishes a basis upon which the person you filed for can apply for an immigrant or fiance(e) visa or for adjust of status.
A person is not guaranteed issuance of a visa or a grant of adjustment simply because this petition is approved. Those processes look at additional criteria.
If you receive a notice indicating approved immigration status, be sure that the same document has been forwarded to the State Immigration Visa Processing Center so that they can contact the person you filed the petition for directly with information about visa issuance.
Approval of Non-Immigrant Petition Approval of a non-immigrant petition means that the person for whom it was filed has been found eligible for the requested classification. If you receive a notice indicating that a U.S. Consulate has been notifed about the approval for the purpose of a visa issuance, and you are not clear on the next step in your process, please contact the appropriate U.S. Consulate directly. The office to contact is usually listed on the reverse side of a notice.
"More babies were born in the United States in 2007 than any
other year in the nation's history -- and a wedding band made increasingly
little difference in the matter."(Seattle Times)
The 4,317,119 births, reported by federal researchers recently,
topped the 1957 record which was at the height of the baby boom.The lowest birth rates recorded in the United
States occurred during the Great Depression.The difference between the baby boom of post World War II USA, and the "boomlet"
of today is that less woman were having more babies in post World War II (an
average of 4 children per household) as opposed to more women having less babies
today (an average of 2.1 per household) - that would mean there are more men
having more babies today, too. The U.S. population
is more than replacing itself, a healthy trend, however, the trend also indicated
that teen birth rate was up for a second year in a row - perhaps a result of
lack of education on birth control, a snapshot of the changes in our culture or
the decline in abortions in our country.Whatever the case, teen birth rates generally fall into the "unwed"
mother category and the father needs to sign a voluntary acknowledgment of
paternity in most states.
The birth rate rose slightly for women of all ages, and
births to unwed mothers reached an all-time high of about 40 percent,
continuing a trend that started years ago. More than three-quarters of these
women were 20 or older.
For a variety of reasons, it's become more acceptable for
women to have babies without a husband, said Duke University's S. Philip
Morgan, a leading fertility researcher.Should sperm donors be required to submit to a DNA test for the record,
in case in 20 years from now, their offspring require DNA history for medical
purposes?
Even happy couples may be living together without getting
married, experts say. And more women -- especially those in their 30s and 40s --
are choosing to have children despite their single status.In most states, if the mother and father are
not married, then the child's birth certificate does not automatically have the
man listed as the father.The father
usually has about 60 days to have his name placed on the birth certificate
which is ample time to have a paternity test.
While the number of births in the U.S. reached nearly 4.3
million in 2006, mainly due to a larger population, especially a growing number
of Hispanics, it's not clear the boomlet will last. Some experts think birth
rates are already declining because of the economic recession that began in
late 2007.The 2007 figures reflected a
relatively good economy coupled with cultural trends that promoted childbirth; however, we need the fathers of these children to be properly acknowledged so that the children receive support from their father's and not the state. Today's DNA tests provide fast Peace of Mind for any man with a doubt about the paternity of a child.
Meanwhile, U.S. abortions dropped to their lowest levels in
decades, according to other reports. Some have attributed the abortion decline
to better use of contraceptives, but other experts have wondered if the rise in
births might indicate a failure in proper use of contraceptives. Some earlier
studies have shown declining availability of abortions.
About the Author: The DNA Lady has been trained in Chain of Custody DNA Collections for any family relatedness, infidelity or forensic issues.
DNA to confirm if Bones are from 19th-century Irish Immigrants
Clues to the mysterious deaths of 57 Irish immigrants came first from a secret file that had been locked in a vault until 1970. Irish railroad workers sailed from Ireland in 1832, but within weeks of their arrival died of cholera, according to the story.
Two brothers were able to open the file, six years ago. Both men were historians and believed the Irish immigration story to be just that - a tall Irish tale. On Friday, that story came to life when 90 human bones were found in East
Whiteland Township.
An archaeology research team based at a university in Chester County uncovered 90 human bones that they believe are part of a
mass grave containing the Irish railroad workers' remains.
The historians were shocked at their findings. Previously only animal bones were uncovered.
They are part of the Duffy's Cut Project, an archaeological research
initiative that began in 2002 digging began to find the
gravesite of the Irish railroad workers.
The immigrants had come from Donegal, Tyrone, and Derry Counties in
Ireland to work for Willistown railroad man Philip Duffy. The workers
helped build what was then the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad, now
SEPTA's R5 line.
Some researchers suspect violence in their deaths. The men were
buried in a ditch somewhere near Sugartown and King Roads, where they
had lived in a shanty and worked.
Their story came to the attention of the Watson brothers about six
years ago. They had found a file, once locked in a railroad office
vault, that they had inherited from their grandfather, Joseph F.
Tripician. Tripician, of Narberth, was the private secretary to Martin
W. Clement, who served as president of the railroad for 16 years
starting in 1933.
Information in the file about the men and the burial site led to a
wooded area near Sugartown and King Roads in East Whiteland Township.
The file also contained stories of ghost sightings of the dead men,
specifically three of them dancing on their own graves. While he was
working on the project, William Watson said, he saw ghosts of three men
on the campus of Immaculata.
Since 2004, the team has been digging near the site, uncovering
several thousand artifacts including pots, buttons, and smoking pipes.
Team members combed newspapers, diaries, and immigration records to
learn more about the men. Members of the Chester County Emerald
Society, which represents police officers, helped obtain a historical
marker for the site.
A turning point came Friday when the team found bones including
two skulls, teeth, and toe and leg bones, which could be remains for as
many as four people.
One of the skulls is that of a teenager, who researchers think is
John Ruddy. They have compiled the names of 15 of the 57 workers.
Ruddy, 18, from Donegal, is on that list.
The research team will continue its excavation, and the remains will
be catalogued and examined first by the Chester County coroner, then by
researchers with the Smithsonian Institution. DNA testing will follow,
with hopes of matching results with remains of family members in
Ireland.
Several families suspect that their long-lost loved ones were among the 57 who died.
"They were thrown away by society," William Watson said. Once the
bones are recovered, he said, the team "will commemorate them and give
them a proper burial."
You are not alone. In today's "hook-up" society (and let's face this has been going on for years and years)husbands, boyfriends and ex's don't have to live with a doubt about whether the child is really their own. A simple, non-invasive DNA test can confirm if you are really the father.
Here is an example of a recent test taker:
A friend of ours was set up by his ex. They were separated on and off
for a few years before making it a permanent separation, she refused to
give him a divorce. Anyway during one of their reconciled periods she
got pregnant. She had a girl. This was a red flag to me because he
comes from an all boys family and they had only had male kids. Their other kids are boys. So they separated for good soon after the baby
girl was born. He paid child support and private school fees etc. This
continued for about 10 years. She had her BF move in with her and our
friend reconnected with an old GF. His GF thought
there was something odd going on and suggested they have a DNA test
done. Sure enough his ex's BF was the father and he knew it! They had
done a test years earlier and kept it quiet. The BF even had the nerve
to complain if our friend was unable to take the kid for weekend visits!
Great stuff about your DNA - two guys try to sing and dance and teach science at the same time - we should find out what's really in their DNA. They're GREAT!
Below are descriptions of genealogical
studies groups available for Irish families to trace their ancestry back to the 5th
Century possibly to the warlord known as Niall of the Nine Hostages. Requirements
are but a few, rewards are everlasting. Allow us to put you in contact
with others in our database with similar or matching genetic markers.
Find out if others with the same surname are really part of your genetic family?
Description Group I
For all families of Irish
descent and particularly for members of the Irish Genealogical Foundation and
the monthly Journal of Irish Families, but open to all. To uncover and identify
members of your family throughout the world today.
Is your family descended from Vikings who settled in Ireland ?
What areas of Ireland or America might have family members that match your DNA
? What name spellings show the exact same DNA matches ? Which branch of the
Kellys, Murphys or Sullivans do you spring from in Ireland ? A DNA match may be
able to help answer some of these questions.
The
purpose of this project is to link related group members through the use of
mtDNA (DNA passed from mother to all of her offspring) testing.
The focus of this group is on maternal ancestry in Ireland. Therefore, the
project is seeking those who have maternal Irish (Ireland or Northern Ireland)
ancestry and are interested in comparing their MtDNA results with others for
possible links. At a later date, this project may split into several regional
or county projects.
Surnames are not the basis for the study of
this group; however, maternal Irish and/or Scottish heritage is important.
Description Group III
A recent study
conducted at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, found that a striking percentage
of men in Ireland (and quite a few in Scotland) share the same Y chromosome,
suggesting that the 5th-century warlord known as "Niall of the Nine
Hostages" may be the ancestor of one in 12 Irishmen. Niall established a
dynasty of powerful chieftains that dominated the island for six centuries.
In the study scientists
found an area in northwest Ireland where they claim 21.5% carry Niall's genetic
fingerprint, says Brian McVoy, one of the team at Trinity. The same area of
Ireland has previously been the subject of anthropological study...and has shown
a strikingly high percentage of men from Haplogroup R1b (98%) versus 90% in
southeast Ireland. According to McVoy this area was the main powerbase of the
Ui Neill kings, which literally translated means "descendants of
Niall".
McVoy says the Y
chromosome appeared to trace back to one person. Following the genealogists'
trail McVoy comments: "There are certain surnames that seem to have come
from Ui Neill. We studied if there was any association between those surnames
and the genetic profile. It is his (Niall's) family."McEvoy states: "As in other polygynous
societies, the siring of offspring was related to power and prestige." The
study mentions that just one of the O'Neill dynasty chieftains who died in 1423
had 18 sons with nearly a dozen women and claimed 59 grandsons.
Niall
of the Nine Hostages received his name from the taking of hostages as a
strategy for playing mental havoc upon his opponent chieftains. He is known in
folklore as a raider of the British and French coasts. Supposedly slain in the
English Channel or in Scotland, his descendants were the most powerful rulers
of Ireland until the 11th century.
CBS show 48
Hours | Mystery used the expert services of a DNA testing facility in the United States
to determine whether a bone sample belonged to a U.S. Marine, Mr. Earl Bourdeau. Mr. Bourdeau was presumed murdered and buried in the Philippines in 1987.
The murder mystery entitled "Conspiracy to Kill," broadcast on January 30, 2009, centered on a woman named Sonia Rios. Ms. Rios had two
husbands' whose lives ended abruptly at the hands of unknown gunmen.
Families of both men had been unable to recover the remains,
until the 48 Hours investigation revealed a possible burial place for Mr. Bourdeau.
Mitochondrial DNA testing was used to establish a biological relationship between Dennis Bourdeau, a living sibling of Mr. Earl Bourdeau. More than 20 years after Earl left to find adventure
in the Philippines, he was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Davenport,
Iowa.
Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from a mother to all of her children. Y-DNA is passed from father to son only. Brothers and sisters would therefore share the same mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA testing and Y-Chromosome testing are available to the average consumer today due in part to advances in technology and ability to collect samples via buccal swab. A fast growing hobby of many North Americans is genealogy which uses the technology of mtDNA and YDNA analyses to categorize DNA into haplogroups to determine your ancestral origins.
God Bless and Thank You to all of our Armed Services and their families for the sacrifice they are making for our country.
If your surname appears below, then you have the opportunity to join one of our genetic ancestry research groups to further identify family members around the world. Researching family members through genetic matching brings your family closer together as they explore their past and find relatives that once were thought to be lost or missing. Become part of North America's fastest growing hobby and see how you are really part of a World Family Tree.
Legitimate DNA paternity testing
establishes legal proof-of-paternity/non-paternity for a variety of
legal applications, including child support and custody cases. The
process, though subject to stringent collection standards, is still
painless, and relatively simple for all participants.
As an independent party to the case, the appointed collector ensures
that each participant is properly identified, officially witnessing the
collection of each sample. This individual is responsible for mailing
samples directly to the lab thereby eliminating the possibility of any
tampering or contamination by participating parties.
There are only a select group of labs accredited by both the AABB
and ISO standards bodies, the organizations responsible for monitoring
the legal DNA testing process. The collection process and materials
used are subject to strict AABB/ISO guidelines.
Collecting the Proof
The best labs provides the collector with a complete legal DNA
collection kit, which includes the following forms and collection
materials for each participant:
*Chain-of-custody forms
*Pre-addressed air bill
*Swabs/Envelopes
*Instructions
*Plastic bio-hazard bag
Acceptable identification and documentation includes items such as
government-issued photo identification and birth certificates.
The official process is completed in three easy steps:
1) The collector reviews all identification and documentation,
and--along with all participants--signs and dates photocopies of each.
(Acceptable identification and documentation includes such items as
government-issued photo IDs and birth certificates.)
2) Each participant signs (where possible) and dates the completed
chain-of-custody form, which the collector certifies with their
signature.
3) Sample collection is completed in the collector's presence, after
which test swabs are sealed in their respective envelopes, and--together
with the completed documentation--submitted to the lab for testing.
It's that simple.
Client Services representatives should be available to provide
assistance with this--or any other--testing process. The goal is to make
the entire experience as smooth and painless as possible.
How Does Testing Work?
A reputable genetics laboratory analyzes markers according to the
FBI-developed Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for a genetic print;
this focus on 13 important genetic signposts is the most reliable
paternity test method commercially available.
In addition, some laboratories employ a unique dual-sample testing
process that, concurrently examines multiple instances of genetic
specimens in-parallel. This method yields extremely high levels of
accuracy, with inclusion probabilities regularly exceeding 99.99%.
Time Frame
Paternity test results are released as early as 3 business days
following receipt of viable specimens. Upon test completion, data
reporting specialists prepare detailed genetics analysis that can be
accessed immediately.
Cutting Edge Technology
Genetic research recently has distinguished itself with an
unparalleled combination of rigid scientific discipline and technical
excellence. Laboratories with their pool of Ph.D. and M.S. scientists
are dedicated to the tireless spirit of innovation. There has been a
perpetual drive to innovate and improve the speed, accuracy and
comprehensiveness of DNA testing
Many times the
difference between an approval and a denial in an immigration case is the
effort that the attorney makes on your behalf.When choosing an immigration law firm, it is important to ask questions
and look for the following qualities:
·Exclusive immigration law expertise. Does
the law firm practice immigration law exclusively or does it practice other
areas of law in addition to immigration law? Immigration law is an extremely
complex area of the law. By limiting practice to immigration law, your
immigration attorney should be able to concentrate on what it does and knows
best: United States immigration law. Your attorney needs to continually update his/her
knowledge of United States immigration law through publications, continuing
legal education, and a network of contacts throughout the immigration
community.
·Accessible immigration attorney. Will you
be able to contact your lawyer easily? Does he/she speak your language?Will you be able to speak directly to your
lawyer or will you have to work with a paralegal?
·Experience with complex and difficult
immigration cases. Is the law firm prepared to handle the unexpected turns that many
immigration cases can take? Does the law firm have relationships in place with
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,(USCIS) ICE, EOIR, the National Visa
Center and the Department of Labor which will aid in representing you.
·Credentials.Are the attorneys admitted to the Supreme
Court of New Jersey or the State where you live?Have they passed the State Bar Exams? What
are the credentials of the paralegals which whom you will be working?
·Clear Fee Schedules.Is the fee quoted for the service an all
inclusive fee or will there be additional charges added as the case
progresses?Does the law firm charge
additional phone time fees, postage fees, communication fees, faxing or other
electronic fees.Most DNA tests fees are
separate and are paid directly to the DNA testing facility.
Many individuals who were adopted are searching for information about their biological parents or general information about their family origins.
Males can test their Y-DNA to:
trace the paternal line
determine possible original surnames
connect with genetic cousins
learn about your suggested geographic origins
find your deep ancestral ethnic origins
Both males and females can test their mtDNA to:
trace the maternal line
connect with genetic cousins
learn about your suggested geographic origins
find your deep ancestral ethnic origins
There are at least 17 different types of DNA testing options available for adoptees to begin their ancestry heritage search. As this subject can be very confusing with all its terminology, biology, pricing, best test case scenario - it is best to call your local DNA expert to determine which test or combination of tests is best suited for your circumstances.
Test Example:
mtDNA Plus
Both men and women may take this test. It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines (excludes all paternal lineage). If you are interesting in determining your mother's line, this may be a good test for you. A panel of twenty-two SNPs is included for backbone haplogroup placement (see DNALady's dictionary for definition of Haplogroups and SNPs). Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal line. You will receive a certificate and report describing the testing process and the meaning of the matches. Results are placed in our database. When another person shows identical results, if both parties have signed a Release Form then we will inform you of the match.
Y-DNA37+mtDNA
Y-DNA 67+mtDNA
Only available to males, these tests are a combination of a male specific Y-chromosome test and a maternal lineage mitochondrial test. THe number of markers you request (37 or 67) will determine cost of the test. A Y-haplogroup is determined and backed by our SNP Assurance Program. For the mtDNA test, a panel of twenty-two SNPs is included for backbone haplogroup placement. When another person shows identical results within our database, if both parties have signed a Release Form, then we will inform you of the match. The customer will also receive a certificate and report describing the testing process and the meaning of thirty-seven marker and mtDNA matches.
Irrespective of the test you chose, be sure to use a laboratory that is accredited by the AABB, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH and other national DNA collection institutions to insure accuracy and reliability of tests. Having a local DNA collection expert to meet with in person (rather than ordering tests over the internet or through 800 #), allows you to ask follow up questions in person once you receive your results. The local DNA collection expert may have experience with other DNA tests that she/he can apply to your situation as well.
Relating to a group of people indigenous to a geographic region; the original inhabitants of a region.
Admixture
Of mixed ancestry or mixed origins.
Ancestral signature
The oldest known or hypothesized haplotype for a particular lineage.
See also: modal haplotype
Anthrogenealogy
The study of human origins, recent and distant, using DNA testing and genealogical methods.
Anthropology
The study of humans, particularly in terms of origin and culture.
B
C
Cambridge Reference Sequence (CRS)
The mitochondrial DNA first sequenced in 1981 which is used as a basis for comparison with mtDNA test results.
Coding region
A region of DNA which contains genes.
Cohanim Modal Haplotype
The Y-DNA haplotype most commonly found among males with an oral tradition of Cohen ancestry.
Cohen
The Hebrew word for priest which refers to a direct male descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses; plural: Cohanim.
Convergence
The process of two unrelated or less related lineages changing over time to resemble one another.
D
Family Tree DNA Time Predictor (FTDNATiPTM)
A program used to calculate estimates of Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA). It is the world's first calculator that incorporates mutation rates specific to each marker. This greatly increases the power and precision of estimates.
G
Genealogical Data Communication (GEDCOM)
A type of file format used by genealogical software to make your family tree. You can upload your GEDCOM file to your Family Tree DNA personal page as well as Ysearch or mitosearch.
Genealogy
The study of family history.
Generation
The number of years between the birth of the parents and the birth of their children. Different studies use different numbers of years per generation. At Family Tree DNA we use 25 years.
Genetic cousins
Individuals whose Y-DNA or mtDNA test results match one another.
Genetic distance
The number of differences, or mutations, between two sets of results. A genetic distance of zero means there are no differences in the results being compared against one another (exact match).
Genetics
The study of genes and heredity; the study of DNA.
Genome
The entire complement of genetic material in a chromosome set. The human genome is composed of 46 chromosomes, with a total of 3 billion base pairs.
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an individual organism.
H
Haplogroup
A genetic population group associated with early human migrations and which can today be associated with a geographic region. It is important to note that even though female and male haplogroups may have the same letters, their definitions are different.
Haplotype
One person's set of values for the markers that have been tested. Two individuals that match exactly on all markers have the same haplotype.
Heredity
The transmission of genetic material from parents to offspring.
Human Genome Organization (HUGO)
The entity to which, among other things, scientists submit new markers for DYS number assignment.
Hypervariable Region (HVR)
One of two regions commonly used in mitochondrial DNA tests which does not code for any known function.
J
Junk DNA
Stretches of DNA that do not code for genes, also called non-coding DNA. Most of the genome consists of non-coding DNA, and was therefore long thought to be 'junk.' Scientists have found that in addition to containing markers that are helpful for genetic genealogy, parts of these non-coding regions have regulatory and other functions.
M
Marker
A physical location (locus) on the chromosome. DNASOA offers 3 levels of Y-DNA testing: 12-marker, 25-marker and 37-marker.
Meiosis
The stage in which sperm and egg cells are formed. It is during this process that the autosomal chromosomes recombine and mutations occur.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
The genetic material found in mitochondria. It is passed down from females to both sons and daughters, but sons do not pass down their mother's mtDNA to their children.
Modal haplotype
The most common result for each marker tested in a group of results.
See also: ancestral signature.
Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA)
The ancestor shared most recently between two individuals.
Mutation
A heritable change that occurs in genetic material. It may lead to a different number of repeats of a certain sequence or a change in one of the bases in a sequence.
Mutation rate
The frequency with which random mutations occur.
N
P
R
Recombination
An event occurring during meiosis - the formation of sperm and egg cells. One chromosome from the mother and the other from the father break and trade segments with one another.
S
Sex chromosome
The X- or Y-chromosome. Normally males have one X and one Y and females have two Xs.
Surname
A last name or family name traditionally passed down from father to son.
T
Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA)
The amount of time or number of generations since individuals have shared a common ancestor. Since mutations occur at random, the estimate of the TMRCA is not an exact number (i.e., 7 generations), but rather a probability distribution. As more information is compared, the TMRCA estimate becomes more refined.
Transmission event
The passage of genetic material from one generation to the next.
W
Western Atlantic Modal Haplotype (WAMH)
The most common Y-DNA haplotypes found in Europe's most common Y-DNA haplogroup, R1b.
X
X-chromosome
One of the two sex chromosomes, X and Y. X is the sex chromosome that is present in both sexes: singly in males and doubly in females.
Y
Y-chromosome
One of the two sex chromosomes, X and Y. The Y-chromosome passes down from father to son. Females do not receive it. The fact that the Y-chromosome goes down the paternal line makes it valuable for genealogy studies, since it typically follows a surname line.
Y-DNA phylogenetic tree
A graphic representation of the Y-DNA haplogroups according to the YCC classification. Haplogroup names and major clades are labeled and mutation names are given along the branches of the trees.
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