Support the Amerasian Paternity Recognition Act of 2016 , H.R. 5766 Amendment to INA
The Issue
The Amerasian Paternity Recognition Act (APRA) refers to a series of proposed U.S. laws, notably H.R.5766 in 2016, aiming to grant U.S. citizenship or easier legal status for Amerasians (children of U.S. service members and Asian women) who immigrated under older acts like the 1982 Amerasian Act or the 1987 Amerasian Homecoming Act, addressing gaps and ensuring those already in the U.S. get full recognition without further naturalization hurdles, though the bills haven't always passed, highlighting ongoing challenges for these individuals.
Background & Purpose
Historical Context: U.S. military presence in Asia (Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia) during and after conflicts led to many children fathered with local women.
Existing Laws: The 1982 Amerasian Immigration Act and the 1987 Amerasian Homecoming Act allowed many to immigrate, but limitations and challenges persisted, especially regarding citizenship for those already in the U.S..
APRA's Goal: To provide a clear path to citizenship for Amerasians already in the U.S. under these prior programs, recognizing their U.S. parentage without requiring extra naturalization steps.
Key Proposed Legislation
H.R.5766 (2016): Proposed to grant automatic permanent resident status or citizenship for eligible Amerasians, amending the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Similar Bills: Other bills, like one introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren in 2003, shared similar goals, recognizing these individuals' right to citizenship.
Why It Matters
Citizenship Gap: Many Amerasians faced difficulties becoming citizens even after arriving, leading to economic and social struggles.
Humanitarian Effort: APRA aimed to fulfill the promise of citizenship for children of U.S. citizens, acknowledging the unique circumstances of their birth.
While specific APRA bills haven't fully passed, they represent ongoing efforts to resolve the complex legal and humanitarian issues surrounding Amerasian children and their relationship with U.S.
Additional information below:
https://time.com/6275367/philippines-amerasian-children-us-military-legacy/
22
The Issue
The Amerasian Paternity Recognition Act (APRA) refers to a series of proposed U.S. laws, notably H.R.5766 in 2016, aiming to grant U.S. citizenship or easier legal status for Amerasians (children of U.S. service members and Asian women) who immigrated under older acts like the 1982 Amerasian Act or the 1987 Amerasian Homecoming Act, addressing gaps and ensuring those already in the U.S. get full recognition without further naturalization hurdles, though the bills haven't always passed, highlighting ongoing challenges for these individuals.
Background & Purpose
Historical Context: U.S. military presence in Asia (Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia) during and after conflicts led to many children fathered with local women.
Existing Laws: The 1982 Amerasian Immigration Act and the 1987 Amerasian Homecoming Act allowed many to immigrate, but limitations and challenges persisted, especially regarding citizenship for those already in the U.S..
APRA's Goal: To provide a clear path to citizenship for Amerasians already in the U.S. under these prior programs, recognizing their U.S. parentage without requiring extra naturalization steps.
Key Proposed Legislation
H.R.5766 (2016): Proposed to grant automatic permanent resident status or citizenship for eligible Amerasians, amending the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Similar Bills: Other bills, like one introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren in 2003, shared similar goals, recognizing these individuals' right to citizenship.
Why It Matters
Citizenship Gap: Many Amerasians faced difficulties becoming citizens even after arriving, leading to economic and social struggles.
Humanitarian Effort: APRA aimed to fulfill the promise of citizenship for children of U.S. citizens, acknowledging the unique circumstances of their birth.
While specific APRA bills haven't fully passed, they represent ongoing efforts to resolve the complex legal and humanitarian issues surrounding Amerasian children and their relationship with U.S.
Additional information below:
https://time.com/6275367/philippines-amerasian-children-us-military-legacy/
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Petition created on October 23, 2016