For my World Geography class we have this final paper due sometime in December and we get to pick any current event to write about. i decided to write about the issue with our Filipino veterans not getting their full benefits from fighting alongside America in WWII. i chose this because it just sort of interests me and I'm trying to get in touch with my filipino side since i neglected it all my life basically.
I've been doing research for about 2 days now and came up with this timeline. In 1941, the U.S. enters WWII and President Franklin D. Roosevelt later issues an Executive Order that awards Filipinos full veteran’s benefits if they enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. Then by 1946, President Truman signs the Filipino Naturalization Acts allowing Filipinos to become citizens. Even after approximately 250,000 Filipinos enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces, then fight during WWII, and are now granted citizen rights, the Congress then proceeds to pass the Rescission Act of 1946. In signing this law, Filipino soldiers are then denied the same rights given to other WWII veterans. Outraged citizens fought for these veterans rights and soon in 1990, Congress passes the Immigration Act of 1990, which grants U.S. citizenship and limited veteran benefits to certain Filipino veterans who fought for the U.S. during WWII.
It's crazy how America, this country thats portrayed as AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL and THE LAND OF THE FREE pulls stuff like this. From what i learned in school it seems like the Philippines has been this country that has been taken advantage of all its life. From the spanish conquer to America's "hospitality" (the I-Hotel to this dilemma with veteran rights). The “Filipino Veterans Equity Acts of 2005.” is being up for discussion now. If passed, the bill would finally give full U.S. benefits to Filipino veterans who live in the U.S. and the Philippines, with an expected cost of $100 million to $150 million every year over a 10 year period. It is currently waiting to be reviewed by the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
As much as i would like to see this happen, i wonder if america would prioritize to have this law passed now. i mean, with everything that's been happening with the war and the budgets, it makes me kinda have no doubt that the u.s. will put this off (again) in order to deal with things that are "more important" at this time. for now all we can do is to support the filipino vets. i know of many organizations that are sending balikbayan boxes full of necessities to those vets in the philippines and there are many protests that are happening all over the world. we're just gonna have to see what happens next.
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