1. What green card options are available for Filipino World War II veterans?
Green Card options for Filipino World War II veterans include the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program Extension, and the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program Expansion. These programs provide temporary residence and employment authorization in the United States for certain Filipino World War II veterans and their family members.
2. Can Filipino World War II veterans apply for a regular green card?
Yes, Filipino World War II veterans may be eligible to apply for a green card. The Immigration Act of 1990 established the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, which allowed Filipino World War II veterans and certain family members to enter the United States and adjust their immigration status to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs). Eligibility requirements include: being a veteran of the Philippine Commonwealth Armed Forces who served in World War II, or being a child, spouse, widow, or widower of such a veteran.
3. How can Filipino World War II veterans apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence status?
Filipino World War II veterans can apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence status by filing Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petitioner must include evidence of his veteran status as well as other required documents. If approved, the veteran will be issued an immigrant visa and will be eligible to enter the United States as a permanent resident.
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 that help Filipino World War II veterans obtain permanent residence status. The Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund provides qualifying veterans with one-time payments of up to $15,000. Additionally, the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program helps certain Filipino World War II veterans who are not eligible for any other immigration relief obtain temporary residence in the United States. This program is open to those who have been unable to reunite with their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident children, spouses, or parents because of immigration laws.
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. However, applications must be submitted before October 25, 2019 to be considered for the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program (FWVPP).
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 case. Generally, the processing time for a green card through this program is between 6 and 12 months.
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, you need to provide the following documents:
• Proof of veteran status – This includes discharge papers or U.S. Veterans Administration benefits receipt letter
• Proof of direct involvement in the war – This includes letters from commanding officers, military records, newspaper articles or other documents that prove your involvement
• Proof of identity – This includes a valid passport, government-issued ID cards (driver’s license), birth certificate, or other documents that can prove your identity
• Proof of relationship to any family members who are accompanying you on the parole – This includes marriage certificates, adoption papers, birth certificates, or other documents that prove that you and your family members are related
• Two passport-style photos taken within the last six months
• Evidence of a medical examination, which must be completed within six months prior to the application
• A completed Form I-134 Affidavit of Support if you are being supported by a sponsor in the United States
• A $165 filing 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 provides entry into the U.S. without a green card or visa, but does not provide any path to permanent residency.
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 prove your relationship to a Filipino World War II veteran, you must submit evidence such as birth, marriage, and death certificates and other official documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must also include evidence of the veteran’s military service in the Philippines during World War II. The evidence must demonstrate a direct, family relationship to the veteran.
10. Can I apply for an adjustment of status if I already have a valid immigrant visa?
No, you cannot apply for an adjustment of status if you already have a valid immigrant visa. If you are in the United States and have a valid immigrant visa, you must leave the United States and apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry in order to be admitted as a permanent resident.
11. Are there any special benefits available to Filipino World War II veterans and their family members?
Yes. Filipino World War II veterans and their family members are eligible for certain benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits include disability compensation, pensions, burial benefits, health care, survivor benefits, and home loan guarantees. In addition, surviving spouses of Filipino World War II veterans may be eligible for a one-time stipend from the VA if they meet certain eligibility requirements.
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 financial assistance. However, the program does provide certain benefits such as travel assistance, access to VA health care and other services, and the ability to apply for a U.S. green card.
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 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA health care benefits for qualified Filipino World War II veterans include hospital care, nursing home care, outpatient care, prescription drugs, and more. Additionally, certain Filipino World War II veterans’ survivors may be eligible to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits.
14. What is the process for filing an appeal if my application for a green card is denied?
The process for filing an appeal if your application for a green card is denied is to file a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, with the appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. Generally, you must file the Form I-290B within 30 days of the date that USCIS mailed its notice of denial. The form must be accompanied by the required filing fee and any supporting documentation that you wish to submit in support of your appeal. Once USCIS has received your appeal, it will be reviewed and a decision will be issued either upholding or reversing the original decision.
15. Does the U.S. Department of State offer any immigration services specifically for Filipino World War II veterans and their families?
Yes, the U.S. Department of State offers several immigration services specifically for Filipino World War II veterans and their families, including an expedited visa processing program, special naturalization programs, and assistance with family reunification.
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?
If you have any questions about applying or receiving a green card through this program, you should contact United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They can provide information on the application process, eligibility requirements, and other important information related to the green card 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. Permanent residents, or green card holders, are subject to the same restrictions on travel as U.S. citizens, such as needing valid, unexpired passports and visas to certain destinations. However, green card holders must be sure to carry their green cards with them when they travel outside of the United States or they may have difficulty re-entering the country. In addition, if a green card holder is outside of the United States for more than one year without obtaining a re-entry permit or returning resident visa then their permanent residence status may be revoked.
19. Is there any financial assistance available to help pay for the cost of applying for a green card through this program?
Yes, there is financial assistance available to help pay for the cost of applying for a green card through the Diversity Visa Program. The US Department of State offers a Fee Waiver Program for eligible applicants who are unable to pay the filing fees associated with the application process. For more information, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/fee-waiver.html
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. Applicants who have had their green cards for at least five years (or three years if they are married to a U.S. citizen) may be eligible to apply for naturalization.