Happy Filipino American History Month!
Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is celebrated every October to recognize the long history and achievements that Filipino Americans have made to this nation.
Much of NCAPA and our member organization’s advocacy this year has focused on a group of people who deserve our utmost respect, but has unfortunately gone unrecognized: Filipino and Filipino American World War II Veterans.
Senate Democrats and community leaders pose for a photo at a press conference June 23, 2015 to announce the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program: Pictured: Major General (Retired) Antonio Taguba, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), NCAPA National Director Christopher Kang, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC Director of Programs Marita Etcubanez, FIlipino World War II veterans Mr. Rudy Panaglima, Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Chief of Staff Juliet K. Choi.
We celebrate all of the accomplishments that have been made to honor Filipino American World War II veterans. While longer overdue, Filipino American veterans now have a chance to reunite with their family members because the application period opened for the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program. Under the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), family members have the opportunity to be approved to come to the U.S. while they await their visas so that they can take care of our aging veterans.
This summer, we also applauded the Senate passage of the Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act, which would give Filipinos who served in World War II the highest civilian honor. But the work isn’t over, as the House of Representatives must pass this bill. NCAPA member OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates sent a letter to members of Congress with more than 80 Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations signing on. NCAPA also sent a letter urging Congress to schedule floor consideration when the House reconvenes next month.
The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans and our member groups continue to work to ensure these veterans' sacrifices are recognized and not forgotten.
Spotlights:
The National Federation of Filipino American Federations (NaFFAA), an NCAPA member, is NCAPA’s only Filipino American-specific organization. Read their September newsletter.
The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project has taken the lead on education of the sacrifices of Filipino World War II veterans. Learn more about their work.
In the News:
The Center for Asian American Media highlights Filipino American stories and explores Filipino arts.
In case you missed it, read these facts from an article written by Asian Pacific American Psychological Assocation's Kevin Nadal in Buzzfeed from May featuring some of our NCAPA friends!
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