On the recordMay 19, 2021
I rise today to introduce the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2021. This important legislation would expedite the visa process for adult children of Filipino World War II veterans, so they can reunite with their relatives in the United States. Today, fewer than 6,000 Filipino World War II veterans remain. Many of these veterans are now in their late 80s and 90s, and have been separated from their loved ones for far too long. During World War II, more than 250,000 Filipino soldiers fought under the American flag to protect and defend the United States in the Pacific theater. These Filipino soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with U.S. servicemembers, and approximately 60,000 died in battle. The U.S. government promised these veterans compensation and benefits in exchange for their loyal service to our country. However, after the war, Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, denying Filipino veterans many of the benefits conferred to other World War II veterans. Filipino World War II veterans were not awarded U.S. citizenship until 1990, more than 40 years after they risked their lives for our Nation. Although the Immigration Act of 1990 granted U.S. citizenship to approximately 26,000 Filipino nationals who served during World War II, the law did not confer citizenship or residency to their children.…
