FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2019
Contact: Carissa Villacorta, Executive Director
Carissa.Villacorta@naffaa.org, 202-803-1353
Largest Coalition of Filipino American Organizations Objects to Trump Administration Move Ending Family Reunification Program for Filipino American World War II Veterans
National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Reacts to the USCIS decision to end the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program
Washington, DC —On Friday August 2, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced its plan to terminate two family-based reunification programs: the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program and the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program. These programs were enacted in 2014 and 2016, respectively, to allow for certain family members of Haitian immigrants and World War II veterans from the Philippines to be allowed to come to the US, or remain here, before their immigrant visas or green cards are available.
Leaders from NaFFAA issue the following statements regarding the end of the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program:
Brendan Flores, National Chairman
Our brave Filipino World War II Veteran warriors risked their lives to fight for the United States, and this parole program was put in place as a way to honor their service and to acknowledge the dwindling amount of time left to reunite these brave heroes with their families.”
“It was only a few short years ago that I had the honor and privilege to witness then-Speaker of the House Paul Ryan honor our Filipino American WWII veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal at the US Capitol. This honor was the culmination of a true bipartisan effort to recognize the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices of these brave men and women. Ending this program now diminishes the legacy of our proud Filipino American WWII veterans, and is an unfortunate rebuke to the very few remaining veterans, who’s opportunity to reunite with their families will end with this action.”
Carissa Villacorta, Executive Director
“Remaining together as a family, defending sovereignty and fighting for what’s right are very important values for Filipinos. It was because Filipino soldiers fought with their lives many decades ago that American families enjoy many freedoms today.”
“We call upon this administration to uphold the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program of 2016. We are one nation of immigrants coming from different backgrounds who must continue to share values, resources and courage to stay strong together.”
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The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Established in 1997, NaFFAA has been promoting the welfare and well-being of the more than 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.
