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THE AMERASIANS AND THEIR RIGHT TO IMMIGRATE TO THE UNITED STATES.
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The AMERASIANS (coined by Pearl S. Buck) are children fathered by United States Citizens, mostly military
servicemen assigned in Asia, who live primarily in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Japan and the
Philippines. Many Amerasians are victims of racism, discrimination, poverty, child abuse and illiteracy in the
countries of their birth.
The former Philippine President Corazon "Cory" Aquino, in a speech delivered at a luncheon in the United
Nations, when she accepted the Pearl S. Buck Woman's Award in June 5, 1995, said, and I quote,
"AMERASIANS suffer cruel insults stemming from ignorance, especially on the part of other children. Often
these children are neglected, if not rejected by their own mothers, who are marginalized members of society.
Amerasian children are found among gang members, criminal syndicates, drug users, and prostitutes. Not
very many of them are recognized by their fathers. And even fewer are those who are given the chance to be
part of their father's "families."
Under current Amerasian Immigration Law (PL 97-359) only children born in VIETNAM, KOREA, LAOS,
THAILAND, KAMPUCHEA, after December 31, 1950 and before October 22, 1982, who were fathered by
United States Citizens are allowed to immigrate to the United States.
When this Legislation was first introduced in the 97th Congress, it included Amerasian children born in the
PHILIPPINES and JAPAN with no time limits concerning their births. The final version of this bill, however,
included only areas where United States had engaged in ACTIVE MILITARY COMBAT from the Korean War
onward, and, hence, EXCLUDED BOTH THE PHILIPPINES AND JAPAN.
Although the Philippines and Japan were not considered war zones from 1950 to 1982, the extent and nature
of United States Military involvement in both countries during the Korean and Vietnam Wars were quite similar
to the involvement of the United States in other Asian countries during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. As a
result, interracial marriages in both countries were common, thereby leading to a significant number of
Amerasian children fathered by U.S. citizens. There are now over 50,000 children in Japan and 65,000
children born in the Philippines after 1950 to 1994.
These children face similar problems to the Amerasian children provided for under Public Law 97-359.
Due to illegitimate mixed ethnic make-up, they are often ostracized within their home countries. This
stigmatization, in turn leaves many without viable opportunities of employment, education, or family life.
The inclusion of Amerasian children in the Philippines and Japan under the Immigration Reform Bill
would lessen the severity of their impoverished lives. #
The Amerasian Committee
International Network of Filipinos Overseas Inc.
153 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa 19020
Cellular: 267.29.4267
Email: Ernesto1gange@aol.com
Linda S. Limcaco, President
Ed Navarra, Secretary
Gwen de Vera, Treasurer
Jack Larrazabal, member
George Gange, member
Tambi Wycoco, member
Gani Puertolano, member
Ernesto Mateo Gange, Founding Chair
George Gange
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