Speech #1010023896

I am sure my colleagues in the House will be shocked to realize that this is not always the case when it concerns the United States. The provisions of this legislation are simple. After an individual serves honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States for 4 or more years. they and their families will be granted special immigrant status upon the recommendation of the executive department under which they served. This bill is directed primarily toward nationals of the Republic of the Philippines who are today treated differently than other enlisted personnel. This is due to the fact that Filipino nationals often enlist in the United States Navy within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines. These enlistments are usually carried out under the terms of the military base agreement entered into between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines on March 14. 1947. All other aliens who want to serve in this countrys Armed Forces must enlist in the United States after being admitted for lawful permanent residence. Filipinos enlisting under the military base agreement. however. are enlisted without having acquired an immigrant visa and obtain no immigrant status of any kind. This bill would simply treat Filipinos fairly for their dedicated service in the United States Armed Forces. I remind my colleagues that one of the brave Marines who sacrificed his life in the Marine barracks in Beirut was a Filipino national who was not eligible for permanent residence status in our country.