What is the US CIS Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) policy?
The U.S. government has waived certain residency requirements for qualified Filipino World War II veterans to become naturalized American citizens. As such, these veterans are able to file immigrant petitions for their family members. The problem is that there is such a long wait for visas that it can take up to 20 years before the family members can join the veteran in th U.S.
On May 9, 2016, the US CIS Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) policy was announced. This policy provides a way for the family members of veterans to join them in the U.S. – without having to wait for visas – for humanitarian reasons on a case-by-case basis. .
Who are eligible?
Adult sons & daughters, as well as brothers & sisters, of qualified veterans, or their spouses, who have approved immigrant petitions as of May 9, 2016, and whose petitioning relative is residing in the U.S.; or if the relative is deceased, was residing in the U.S. at the time of death. Thus, even if the petitioning relative was the spouse of the veteran, the FWVP policy would apply. The policy would also include the beneficiary’s spouse and unmarried children below 21 years old.
When can we file applications under the FWVP policy?
Beginning June 8, 2016, applications for parole under the FWVP policy will be accepted. If approved, the beneficiary and his or her eligible family members can come to the U.S. and stay until their priority dates become current and they can file for their own green cards. After 4 years, US CIS will evaluate whether a sufficient number of applications have been filed to support continuing the policy beyond 5 years.
What documents are needed to file?
Applicants must file a completed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document; a Form I-134, Affidavit of Support; and documentation of the veteran’s qualifying World War II military service. Detailed instructions may be found at the instructions to Form I-131 and/or the website at www.uscis.gov.
What is the filing fee?
The filing fee is $ 360.00, but applicants under the FWVP policy can request a waiver of the fee by also completing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.
What if the veteran or spouse is deceased?
Beneficiaries can request for reinstatement of the approved I-130 that was automatically revoked by the death of the petitioner for humanitarian reasons. If CIS approves the request, the family member can apply for parole under the FWVP policy.
How much of a benefit is this policy to the dwindling number of Filipino World War II veterans who remain and their families?
For those with approved petitions filed by veterans, or their spouses, and who have been waiting for so long, this is the chance for you to join your petitioning relatives in the US. A primary goal of the policy is for them to have the care and support of family as they live out the remainder of their life. Just as important is that once you’re in the US. you can actually apply for your green cards there – even if your relative is no longer with us when your priority date becomes current. If your relative is already deceased though, your immigrant petition has been automatically revoked. You must first request for humanitarian reinstatement to be able to apply under the FWVP policy.