FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2018
Contact: Jason Tengco, NaFFAA Executive Director
jason.tengco@naffaa.org
Tel. (650) 0867-9837
NaFFAA Expresses Concern Around White House’s Immigration Framework
Washington, DC – Recently, the White House released its Framework on Immigration Reform & Border Security, which contains a provision limiting family sponsorships to “spouses and minor children only,” thereby supporting the elimination of sponsorships for parents, adult children, and siblings. According to the National Visa Center’s Annual Report of Immigrant Visa Applicants, there are more than 333,000 Filipinos waiting to reunite with their loved ones here in the United States. Not only do Filipinos have the second highest number of family-sponsored waiting list registrants in the world (second only to Mexico), but they also suffer the longest wait times of any group: more than 23 years according to the latest Visa Bulletin. In response to the White House’s immigration framework, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) issued the following statement:
“While we agree that the White House’s proposed pathway to citizenship for DREAMers represents progress in the immigration debate, we believe that the additional restrictions they propose on family-based immigration is an affront to the American spirit of compassion and freedom,” said NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores. “We believe that the focus of the current debate should be on the countless stories of reunified family members and how they have contributed to the freedom and opportunity of the American promise.”
Marie Cunning, member of NaFFAA’s Board of Governors, added: “As a national voice for Filipino Americans, NaFFAA expresses our concern for any proposal that would separate Filipino families from their loved ones. Family-based immigration has helped positively transform the lives of Filipino Americans across this great nation. With more than 333,000 Filipinos waiting in line, we encourage the Administration and Congress to support immigration reform that protects and expedites family reunification, instead of eliminating this fair and compassionate process.”
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About NaFFAA
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Established in 1997, NaFFAA has been the standard bearer for promoting the welfare and well-being of the 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. NaFFAA’s vision is to serve as the voice of all Filipinos and Filipino Americans by uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacy.
