Details of Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Policy Announced
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Veterans and family members may apply to request parole starting June 8
WASHINGTON – Today, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published details about a new policy that will enable family members of Filipino World War II veterans to apply to come to the United States while awaiting the issuance of their visas, many of which have been backlogged for decades. This policy change is in recognition of “the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices of Filipino veteranswho fought for the United States during World War II.”
“Advancing Justice | AAJC is proud to have played a leading role in the advocacy effort that resulted in this long-awaited relief for Filipino World War II veterans and their families,” said Mee Moua, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice. “This action is long overdue.”
This policy change is a victory for our veterans, the youngest of whom are in their late 80s, who can look forward to being reunited with family members who have been waiting for decades to immigrate to the United States.
The parole policy also covers veterans’ surviving spouses who petition for their adult children to join them in the U.S. Furthermore, family members may be able to seek reinstatement of immigration petitions filed through veterans who are now deceased, and then self-petition for parole.
Moua continued, “Even as we celebrate this victory and rejoice that our veterans will finally reunite with their loved ones, we recognize there are many in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community who remain separated from their family members. Advancing Justice | AAJC advocates for reforms to the immigration system so that immigrants will not have to endure decades-long backlogs as they await reunification with their loved ones.”
Advancing Justice | AAJC will continue to work with the Obama Administration and fellow advocates to reach out to the Filipino American community and their relatives in the Philippines with information about the program. In addition, the organization looks forward to supporting outreach efforts and expedient implementation of the program.
USCIS will accept requests for parole starting on June 8, 2016.
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