FBANC Statement Opposing Termination of FWVP Parole Program
The Filipino Bar Association of Northern California ("FBANC") strongly opposes revisions to Form I-131 Application for Travel Document to remove sections relating to and effectively terminate the Filipino World War II Veterans (FWVP) Parole program.
The integrity of the immigration system is not compromised by the FWVP program. Specifically, the FWVP program does meet DHS's obligation to narrowly exercise its parole authority. The FWVP Program involves a selective process and restraint on a case-by-case basis to exercising authority to grant parole. The FWVP program is available only to certain family members of verified Filipino and Filipino-American veterans of World War II whose I-130 petition on behalf of the qualifying relative has already been approved prior to requesting for FWVP parole.
Moreover, the significant public benefits include recognition of and gratitude to the veterans, about 6,000 of whom are still living, the youngest being octogenarians, for their unstinting patriotism, valor and loyalty. In 2015, President Obama signed into law the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015. Awarding the veterans and their next-of-kin the Congressional Gold Medal - the nation's highest civilian award - is an accurate reflection of the debt owed to the veterans who have risen to the occasion to meet the challenge for the cause of freedom and with steadfast loyalty to America. But, recognizing the debt owed must stem beyond a symbolic, albeit important, gesture.
Veterans who, under the leadership of the United States Army, fought as American nationals after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and Camp John Hay, Clark Airfield, and Nichols Field in the Philippines. After four years of war which resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of soldiers, especially in the battles of Bataan and Corregidor, the veterans persisted and made significant contributions to the victory in the Pacific, some even with their lives.
At the end of life for the veteran and their spouse, the benefit of being with their qualifying relative is significant in providing physical, emotional and mental support. Even if the veteran has already passed, the legacy of their service to the United States should not be terminated if the qualifications to file a request for parole under the FWVP have been met.
FBANC members include descendants of Filipino and Filipino-American veterans of World War II. Some of our members have received, as next-of-kin, the Congressional Gold Medal. The descendants of the veterans hold on to their legacy today, the legacy propelling them to excel in their professions and in their communities. The living veterans have waited over seventy-five years for recognition of their service and sacrifice such as the Congressional Gold Medal Act, P.L. 114-265 and the FWVP Program. They have shown the rest of the United States and the whole world not only about endurance, but also the widespread impact their patriotism has on the community.
FBANC submitted a comment opposing the termination of the FWVP Parole Program and urges our members and community partners to do the same.
How to submit a comment:
Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal website at https://www.regulations.gov under e-Docket ID number USCIS-2007-0045. The deadline to submit comments is February 26, 2021. All submissions received must include the OMB Control Number 1615-0013 in the body of the letter, the agency name and Docket ID USCIS-2007-0045.
Contact Mari Bandoma Callado, FBANC President maribandoma@fbanc.org for more information.