Passage of this bill will finally give those children and young adults the opportunity to come to the land of their fathers. This is an opportunity they richly deserve because they are American children. S. 1698 will allow Amerasians to exercise their Amerasian heritage by giving them priority under the preference system established by the Immigration and Nationality Act. Amerasians would be eligible under the first preference for unmarried adult sons and daughters of citizens or the fourth preference for married adult sons and daughters of citizens. Under these provisions. Amerasians could claim their birthright without the necessity that the fathers be specifically or individually identified. They will also be included under any quotas. under immigration law. which apply to their country of birth or to the preference category for which they are deemed eligible. The bill also requires the applicant to supply the Attorney General with a guarantee of financial support. signed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in the presence of an immigration officer. The sponsor agrees to be financially responsible for 5 years or until the applicant is 21 years of age. whichever is longer. The guarantee is enforceable through suit brought by the Attorney General against the sponsor. The sponsorship provision is unprecedented in our immigration law. and will insure that Amerasians do not become public charges. In all senses. the bill. as reported from committee. is the result of the active cooperation of all interested parties to refine the language. I believe it is the best solution that the Congress can offer to the problems encountered by the Amerasians.
Keywords matched
Immigration immigration