Akaka Amendment Allows Family Reunification for Filipino Veterans
May 25
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) today issued a press release applauding the Senate for passage of an amendment offered by Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawai’i that would reunify Filipino WWII veterans with their families.
During World War II, more than 200,000 Filipino soldiers served alongside U.S. troops, making vital contributions to America’s victory. The amendment passed by a vote of 87-9 and would exempt children of certain Filipino World War II veterans from the numerical limitations on immigrant visas.
“I am extremely pleased that my colleagues in the Senate saw fit to join me in honoring these brave Filipino veterans who fought alongside American troops to achieve victory in World War II,” said Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (HI). “It would be a great final honor for these heroes to be joined and cared for by their adult children as they move through their golden years. Today’s vote is dedicated to the valiant service these Filipino veterans provided of behalf of our great country.”
“I commend the Senate for including the Filipino Veterans’ Family Reunification Act in its immigration reform bill,” said Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), Chair of CAPAC. “This measure would honor the brave Filipino soldiers who fought for our country by finally reuniting them with their sons and daughters after years of separation and waiting. Although this is a step toward improving the immigration bill, I am still deeply troubled by the provisions of the Senate deal that undermine this nation’s long tradition of family-based immigration. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that immigration reform reflects our treasured family values.”
“I commend the Senate for incorporating the “Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act,” into the Immigration bill,” said Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI-01), Chair of CAPAC’s Immigration Task Force. “This amendment would help reunify Filipino World War II veterans, who bravely served besides our own forces, with their sons and daughters. Sadly, the larger immigration bill still contains anti-family provisions that I cannot support. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to fix these problems.”
“A fair, comprehensive immigration reform bill would continue to prioritize the reunification of families,” said Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI-02), who introduced the Filipino Veterans’ Family Reunification Act, H.R. 1287, the companion measure to Sen. Akaka’s legislation, S. 671. “I appreciate the work of Senator Akaka to include the Filipino Veterans’ Family Reunification Act in the Senate compromise immigration reform measure. I have met with many Hawaii veterans who have been waiting twenty years and longer to be reunited with their adult children. Immigration is truly a family issue, and I am glad that the Senate overwhelmingly supported adoption of the Akaka amendment.”
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Since 1994, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, visit http://www.honda.house.gov/capac.
