Speech #1000038004

Mr. Speaker. on May 12. I introduced H.R. 2383 which amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for special immigrant status for certain aliens serving at least 4 years in our Armed Forces. Awarding this status would rectify the unfair situation faced by many nationals of the Republic of the Philippines who are serving in the U.S. Navy and. yet. are not allowed the same opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship afforded other aliens serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Many loyal Filipino service members are facing naturalization and Immigration problems and this special immigrant status will offer them a solution. All other aliens must be admitted to this country for permanent residence before they may enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. Upon admission for permanent residence and completion of 4 years of honorable service. a provision of law allows these aliens to be naturalized. However. under the terms of the military base agreement between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. Filipinos may enlist in our Navy from the Republic of the Philippines without first obtaining residence in this country. Many Filipinos who have enlisted in the U.S. Navy are unable to qualify for naturalization under existing law. a law that waives the naturalization requirements with the exception of admission for permanent residence for aliens who have honorably served for 3 years in the U.S. Armed Forces. These Filipinos are unable to use the authority of existing law to obtain citizenship because they have not been admitted for permanent residence in the United States. Thus. because they have enlisted without receiving an immigration visa. these Filipinos have no immigrant status at all. Mr. Speaker. my bill would remedy the current inequality between loyal Filipino service members and other alien armed services enlistees. The faithful military service of these Filipinos is symbolic of their devotion to the United States and rectification of their plight is long overdue. My bill would provide special immigrant status for aliens serving In our Armed Forces and thus. allow those service members to take advantage of existing law. Mr. Speaker. let me furthermore clarify that this legislation will not give any immigration advantage to Filipino service members. Instead. it would recognize their loyal service and ensure that they receive equal treatment for the services they have performed for the U.S. Armed Forces.