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

The Filipino World War II veterans may qualify for a green card through the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, which is a program that provides a one-time payment of $15,000 to Filipino World War II veterans who were displaced or suffered during the war. Additionally, struggling Filipino World War II veterans may be eligible to apply for the Filipino Veterans Parole program, which allows for them to receive permanent resident status in the U.S. if they are able to demonstrate a need for financial assistance or medical care due to their service. Finally, if a Filipino World War II veteran is the spouse, child or surviving family member of a U.S. citizen they may be eligible to apply for a family-based green card.

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

Yes, Filipino World War II Veterans may be eligible for a regular green card. Eligibility requirements vary based on the individual’s situation. Information can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

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

To apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence status, Filipino World War II veterans must first contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or consult with an immigration attorney. Once the veteran has determined that they qualify for an immigrant visa or permanent residence status, they must complete the necessary application forms and submit supporting documentation to USCIS. The veteran should also be prepared to provide evidence of their service in the World War II period. USCIS may require additional documents or information prior to making a decision regarding the application.

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

Yes, there are a few special programs and laws that help Filipino World War II veterans obtain permanent residence status. The Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program (FWVP) was established in 2016 to provide parole to certain Filipino World War II veterans and their qualifying family members. Another program is the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act (FVFR), which allows qualified Filipino veterans and their spouses and unmarried children to apply for legal permanent residence (LPR) status. The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 also provides special naturalization benefits for eligible Filipino World War II veterans. Finally, the American Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2019 waives the naturalization application fees for eligible veterans, spouses, and children.

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, the program is limited to veterans who were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and/or the Philippine World War II Veterans Medal of Valor.

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 a green card through the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program will vary depending on the individual cases. The processing can take several months up to a year or more.

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, applicants must provide the following documents:

1. Proof of Filipino citizenship or a Certificate of Identity issued by the Philippine government.

2. A valid passport or other proof of travel to the United States.

3. Proof of U.S. military service and honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces during World War II, issued by the National Archives and Records Administration, or by the Department of Defense.

4. An affidavit from a U.S. citizen attesting to the applicant’s good moral character, or a copy of a police clearance certificate from the Philippines or from the United States if available.

5. Proof that the applicant is currently residing in the United States. This could include proof of employment, family ties, or other evidence that demonstrates that the applicant has established residence in the United States.

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.

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

To prove your relationship to a Filipino World War II veteran in order to be eligible for a green card, you must provide a copy of your birth certificate showing the veteran as your parent, as well as other documents such as marriage certificates, legal adoption papers, or other documents that support your claim of relationship. You may also be required to submit proof of the veteran’s service in World War II, such as military records or discharge papers. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you are currently living in the United States and that you have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years.

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

No. The adjustment of status process is only available to those who are inside the United States and do not have a valid immigrant visa. Those who already have a valid immigrant visa must use that visa to enter the United States and become a lawful permanent resident.

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

Yes, there are special benefits available to Filipino World War II veterans and their family members. These benefits depend on the country which the individual served in, as well as the specific service period. In the United States, Filipino World War II veterans may be eligible for disability compensation, medical care, education, home loan guarantees, burial benefits, and other assistance. In the Philippines, veterans may be eligible for military retirement pension pay and other benefits.

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. It provides eligible Filipino and Filipino-American World War II veterans with the opportunity to come to the United States to reunite with their family members and to receive long overdue recognition of their service and sacrifice.

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

Yes, Filipino World War II veterans and their families may be eligible for certain medical benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital care, outpatient medical care, mental health services, and long-term care. The VA also provides benefits such as disability compensation and survivor benefits for the family members of deceased Filipino World War II veterans.

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 depends on the type of denial you received. Generally, an applicant can file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.

If you receive a notice of denial from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider can be filed with the same USCIS office that issued the denial notice.

You can also file a petition for review with the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals if you are denied on any basis other than fraud or misrepresentation.

It is important to note that appeals must be filed within 30 days of receiving the notice of denial. For more information, you should consult an experienced immigration attorney.

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 Department provides a range of services to all immigrants, including family-based petitions, employment-based petitions, refugee/asylee processing, permanent residency, naturalization, and more.

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 US 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 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for any questions regarding 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, the conditions of a green card include restrictions on traveling outside of the United States. A green card holder must maintain residence within the United States and must be present in the US for at least 6 months out of every 12 month period. Any trips outside of the US must be for less than 6 months in order to maintain lawful permanent resident status.

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

Yes, there are forms of financial assistance available to help cover the cost of applying for a green card. This may include grants or low-interest loans from organizations that specialize in helping immigrants and refugees. Additionally, individuals may be eligible for certain fee waivers based on their financial situation.

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

Yes. After receiving a green card through the program, it is possible to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Naturalization is the process by which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen. To be eligible for naturalization, you must have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years, demonstrate physical presence in the United States for at least half of that time (30 months), demonstrate good moral character, have basic English language skills and have an understanding of U.S. history and civics.