Bill Overview
Title: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend honorary citizenship to otherwise qualified noncitizens who enlisted in the Philippines and died while serving on active duty with the United States Armed Forces during certain periods of hostilities, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill extends posthumous citizenship to an otherwise qualified noncitizen who enlisted, reenlisted, extended enlistment, or was inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces in the Philippines and died as a result of such active duty service during the period beginning September 1, 1939, and ending December 31, 1946. The executive department under which an individual served must determine whether the individual satisfied the requirements for posthumous citizenship under this bill. Specified naturalization and other posthumous benefit provisions shall not apply to the surviving spouse, child, or parent of such an individual.
Sponsors: Rep. Napolitano, Grace F. [D-CA-32]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals who enlisted in the Philippines and died while serving in the US Armed Forces from 1939 to 1946
Estimated Size: 0
- The bill is specifically aimed at granting honorary citizenship posthumously to individuals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- The individuals targeted are noncitizens who enlisted in the Philippines and served during World War II.
- Posthumous benefits such as citizenship appreciation and recognition by the U.S. will be impacted.
- It covers a historical period from 1939 to 1946, meaning the individuals directly impacted are deceased.
- Honorary citizenship affects the legacy and recognition of these individuals, potentially impacting records and honors rather than current legal standing.
- The target population is primarily those who are potentially recognized posthumously and their historical legacy would be impacted.
Reasoning
- The people directly impacted by the policy are deceased; therefore, the policy's direct effects pertain to heritage, legacy, and historical recognition.
- The target population is small, around 5,000 individuals who served in the Philippines during World War II.
- The policy does not confer new benefits or rights to living individuals, thus limiting its reach and effect on modern populations.
- Policy implementation costs are budgeted to support official state recognitions and adjustments to military records and archives, affecting only recognition-related endeavors.
Simulated Interviews
Military Historian (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a good step towards acknowledging the unseen contributions of noncitizens during WWII.
- It doesn't bring direct changes but ensures these soldiers aren't forgotten.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
History Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Learning about these contributions in class has been inspiring. This policy helps legitimize and bring to light lesser-known history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Veteran (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important to recognize everyone who fought for our country, even if they weren't citizens.
- This isn't transformative for families today but it honors past service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Filipino Community Leader (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is important for our community. It stands as recognition of sacrifices made.
- Though it doesn’t change current conditions, historical acknowledgment is powerful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Archivist (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Acknowledging these men in official records will correct a long-standing oversight.
- This policy won't change my life directly but helps preserve accurate historical records.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
High School Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I can include these stories in my lessons, showing students diverse contributions to the war.
- Though only an honorary change, it enriches historical education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Policy Advisor (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's more of a symbolic move, ensuring these veterans are rightfully acknowledged.
- This won't shift current policy but it's good for historical rectitude.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran Advocate (Detroit, MI)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even though this policy doesn't provide benefits, it's vital for historical recognition of sacrifice.
- Helps honor servicemen's memory in our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cultural Historian (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Highlighting these veterans is crucial to understanding Filipino-American contributions.
- It's mainly symbolic, but history benefits from these insights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Museum Curator (Anchorage, AK)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aids in shedding light on overlooked historical narratives.
- While it is largely historical, it's a step towards more inclusive museums at were.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $50000 (Low: $25000, High: $100000)
Year 3: $1000 (Low: $500, High: $2000)
Year 5: $1000 (Low: $500, High: $2000)
Year 10: $1000 (Low: $500, High: $2000)
Year 100: $1000 (Low: $500, High: $2000)
Key Considerations
- Administrative processes will need to be developed or adjusted for the determination of eligibility and processing of honorary citizenship.
- No direct financial benefits or tax implications as honorary citizenship does not extend benefits to survivors of the individuals affected.
- Potential symbolic impact on military records and historical documentation.