FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2002

SENATE PASSES SCHUMER CITIZENSHIP BILL FOR DECEASED VETERANS

Schumer: If Signed Into Law, Irish Immigrants Who Died In The Korean War Would Be Able To Gain Recognition They Deserve

Senator Chuck Schumer today announced the passage of legislation in the U.S. Senate which will allow for the processing of posthumous citizenship claims on behalf of non-citizens who died as a result of their service in the U.S. military during a period of military conflict. The families will be able to apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for the citizenship of these veterans. The bill, sponsored by Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA) in the US House of Representatives, passed the House on September 26, 2002.

"Many immigrants have proven their patriotism by fighting in this country's wars," Schumer said. "Unfortunately many were killed in action before they became citizens. I think anyone who fights for America should be able to officially be called an American. This bill ensures that the families of those who were killed in action will have another chance to make sure that comes to pass."

America's Armed Services have long included soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who were non-citizen residents of the United States. These veterans fought and died alongside their fellow citizen-soldiers, but many were not afforded the honor of U.S. citizenship. The Posthumous Citizenship for Active Duty Service Act of 1989, signed into law on March 6, 1990, amended the Immigration and Nationality Act to honor the fallen heroes who had died defending the United States but were not citizens. However, the posthumous citizenship provision provided for in that law expired for many of these veterans in 1992.

The issue of posthumous citizenship status for the United States' deceased, non-citizen resident war veterans was first raised by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). AOH was primarily concerned with Korean War veterans of Irish descent, fifteen of whom have already been identified. The bill has garnered the support of three prominent national veterans groups: the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), and the American Legion.

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