New Executive Order Offers Vets’ Kids to go to US Right Away
Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO – The social hall by the Veterans Equity Center (VEC) used to be filled with Filipino World War II veterans. But there are barely any left now, just widows of the men who bravely fought for freedom seven decades ago.
For those left behind, being gathered there meant good news.
President Barack Obama has finally issued an executive order that offers the veterans’ sons and daughters the opportunity to come to the U.S. right away, while waiting for their immigrant visas. This parole program would also allow them to work temporarily in the U.S.
Eighty-nine year Cipriano Valenzuela and his 78-year old wife Marcelina are ecstatic. They’ve been waiting nine years to be reunited with their children living in the Philippines.
“Masaya kasi mayroon kaming aasahan na yung mga anak namin makapunta dito,”said Cipriano.
Marcelina shared that they need their children and grandchildren to help care for Cipriano who has had a heart bypass surgery.
“Mahirap din kasi parang ninenerbiyos ako pag alam mo na kung mamatay man eh di nagiisa ako,” she said.
Eighty-six years old Aurora Catingcoy has been a widow of a Filipino World War II veteran since 2006. Her husband, Jesus, then filed a petition for one of their children in 1994. But the petition died with her husband. She petitioned for that child again in 2008. But so far, no visa yet. She hasn’t been with her children for more than 20 years.
“Napakasakit. Mabuti na lang kahit ako ay nagiisa may mga pamangkin akong bumibisita. Kung wala, lalong malungkot,” she said.
Obama’s executive order hopes to help as many as 6,000 veterans and thousands more widows. But before they could benefit from this, advocates said they need to have approved petitions before the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
“It’s a benefit for the children of Filipino World War II veterans with an approved petitions. That’s the key. But let’s say the veteran dies and leaves behind a wife and their children don’t have approved petitions, the wife can still file petitions for them,” stated Luisa Antonio, executive director of VEC.
The USCIS will begin accepting applications on June 8. Advocates said veterans or their widows need to prepare the following documents: (1) proof of citizenship, (2) birth certificate of children, (3) marriage certificate, (4) proof of support, (5) copy of approved petition.
(Source: ABS-CBN.com)