FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Angelo Dalmacio
Communications Director
info@naffaa.org / 202-803-1353
NaFFAA Calls for Immediate Support of the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act (FVFRA)
Washington, D.C. (July 15, 2020) — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) urges the community to mobilize support for H.R. 2908 Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act. This bill exempts from worldwide or numerical limitations certain family-sponsored immigrant visas for the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under certain laws for service during World War II. The children of these Filipino World War II veterans would be exempt from decades long visa backlogs and would receive green cards.
For decades after the conclusion of the war, Filipino World War II veterans were denied many of the benefits offered to other veterans. Finally, in 1990, legislation was passed that granted U.S. citizenship to Filipino World War II veterans. Today, there are only a few thousand surviving Filipino World War II veterans, most of whom are at least 90 years old. There is not a lot of time left for these courageous heroes to reunite with their children who can provide necessary care and emotional support for the last years of their lives.
“Our Filipino World War II veterans have waited far too long for the tangible rewards for their service. Allowing them to reunite with their families in this nation they so bravely fought for, is the least that can be done in recognition of their service and sacrifice. The time is NOW for the community to act and help get the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act passed,” exclaimed NaFFAA National Chair and President Brendan Flores.
In order for the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act to get passed, it needs to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2021. NaFFAA strongly urges individuals to call and e-mail their Members of Congress today and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 2908 Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act. Please visit https://linktr.ee/naffaa.capital for a call script and e-mail template. As an organization, NaFFAA has signed onto Representative TJ Cox’s Bi-Partisan Dear Colleague Letter to Leadership which urges support for the NDAA Amendment for Filipino Vets WWII Parole Program to be made in Order.
“Our voices on behalf of Filipino World War II Veterans need to be heard. We can help make a difference for these men and women who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for worldwide peace and for a future for us,” said NaFFAA Chair and President Brendan Flores.
