Green Card Options for Certain Filipino World War II Veterans

1. What green card options are available for Filipino World War II veterans?


The Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) Program is the main green card option available for Filipino World War II veterans. This program allows eligible veterans to apply for a one-year parole in the US, which can be extended or potentially lead to a green card after one year. To be eligible, you must be an honorably discharged World War II veteran who served in the Philippine Commonwealth Army, United States Armed Forces of the Far East, or New Philippine Scouts, and must have an immediate relative who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

2. Can Filipino World War II veterans apply for a regular green card?


Yes, Filipino World War II veterans may apply for regular green cards, along with their corresponding eligible family members who are living in the United States. The U.S. Department of State provides the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program to make it easier for certain relatives to immigrate to the US.

3. How can Filipino World War II veterans apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence status?


Filipino World War II veterans may apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence status by filing a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In the petition, the veteran must include all required documentation such as proof of their military service, proof of their relationship to a relative in the United States, and their birth certificate. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will review the application and determine if the veteran meets the eligibility requirements for an immigrant visa or permanent residence status.

4. Are there any special programs or laws that help Filipino World War II veterans obtain permanent residence status?


Yes, there are special programs and laws designed to help Filipino World War II veterans obtain permanent residence status in the United States. The Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) Program was created in 2016 to offer parole to certain Filipino and Filipino-American World War II veterans, their spouses, and widows who applied for U.S. citizenship after the war but were denied for various reasons. The program provides them with an opportunity to come to the United States on a temporary basis to be reunited with family members while their applications are pending, and in some cases can lead to permanent residence. The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act and the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act are other laws that have been introduced in Congress to help Filipino World War II veterans obtain permanent residence in the United States.

5. Is there a deadline to apply for a green card for Filipino World War II veterans?


No, there is no deadline to apply for a green card for Filipino World War II veterans. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to accept applications from Filipino World War II veterans who are eligible to apply for green cards under the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2017.

6. How long does it take to process and receive a green card through the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program?


The processing time for the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program can vary depending on the individual application and the complexity of the case. Generally, it can take up to several months or even years to be approved and receive a green card.

7. What documentation is needed to apply for a green card through the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program?


To apply for a green card through the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, the applicant must submit the following documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:

1. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
2. U.S. Department of Defense Form DD-214, or its equivalent issued by the U.S. government, verifying military service in the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Scouts, or the U.S. armed forces in the Philippines prior to July 1st 1946;
3. Proof of Filipino citizenship;
4. Two passport-style photographs;
5. Copies of all passports used to travel to and from the U.S.;
6. Copies of any previously issued immigrant visas;
7. A statement from the applicant describing his or her reasons for parole;
8. An eligibility letter from a U.S. Department of Defense official verifying eligibility for parole; and
9. The $930 application fee.

8. Are dependent family members of Filipino World War II veterans eligible for a green card?


No, dependent family members of Filipino World War II veterans are not eligible for a green card. The Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program is intended to allow Filipino veterans of World War II to reunite with their families in the United States. As such, it does not provide a pathway to a green card for family members.

9. How can I prove my relationship to a Filipino World War II veteran in order to be eligible for a green card?


In order to be eligible for a green card, you must provide proof of your relationship to the Filipino World War II veteran by submitting evidence that establishes the relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other official documents. You must also provide evidence of the Filipino veteran’s service in the U.S. military during World War II, such as discharge papers or other military records.

10. Can I apply for an adjustment of status if I already have a valid immigrant visa?


No. Once you have a valid immigrant visa, you must use it to enter the United States. If you are already in the United States, you can apply for an adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.

11. Are there any special benefits available to Filipino World War II veterans and their family members?


Yes, there are a variety of special benefits available to Filipino World War II veterans and their family members. These include a lump-sum payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, increased Social Security benefits, preferential treatment in obtaining U.S. citizenship, free health care services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and access to educational benefits such as the GI Bill.

12. Does the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program provide any financial assistance?


No, the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program does not provide any financial assistance. The program is intended to help Filipino World War II veterans and their families reunite in the United States by allowing them to enter the United States as nonimmigrants on a temporary basis.

13. Are medical benefits available to Filipino World War II veterans and their families?


Yes, Filipino World War II veterans and their families are eligible to receive medical benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible veterans and their dependents, including medical benefits such as health care, prescription drug coverage, and long-term care.

14. What is the process for filing an appeal if my application for a green card is denied?


If your application for a green card is denied, you may be able to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). To do so, you must file a Notice of Appeal to the BIA within 30 days of the denial of your application. The Notice must include all relevant documents and evidence and a statement of errors the decision-maker made in denying your application. You may also need to submit a Form EOIR-29, which is an Appeal from a Decision of an Immigration Officer. Once you have submitted these documents, the BIA will review your case and issue a decision on the appeal.

15. Does the U.S. Department of State offer any immigration services specifically for Filipino World War II veterans and their families?


No, the U.S. Department of State does not offer any immigration services specifically for Filipino World War II veterans and their families. However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may provide assistance with some immigration-related issues, such as immigrant visa applications and naturalization.

16. Is the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program available to all veterans, regardless of nationality?


No, the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program is only available to Filipino veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

17. Who should I contact if I have questions about applying or receiving a green card through this program?


You should contact USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) for questions about applying or receiving a green card through this program.

18. Are there any restrictions on traveling outside of the United States if I have been granted a green card through the program?


Yes, there are restrictions on traveling outside of the United States if you have been granted a green card through the program. Generally, you must maintain a permanent residence in the United States and not remain outside of the country for too long. Green card holders must also obtain re-entry permits if they plan to be outside of the United States for more than six months.

19. Is there any financial assistance available to help pay for the cost of applying for a green card through this program?


No, there is no financial assistance available to help pay for the cost of applying for a green card through the Diversity Visa Program.

20. Is it possible to become a U.S. citizen after receiving a green card through the program?


Yes, it is possible to become a U.S. citizen after receiving a green card through the program. After holding a green card for five years (or three years if you obtained it through marriage to a U.S. citizen) and meeting other requirements, you can apply for citizenship by submitting an application, providing proof of residence and good moral character, and attending an interview.