Filipino WWII Veterans Campaign

Filipino Advocates for Justice co-chairs the National Alliance for Veterans Equity (NAFVE) to win equal veterans status for Filipino WWII veterans who were stripped of their veterans’ status by the U.S. Congress after serving loyally under U.S. command during WWII. In 2008, NAFVE’s national campaign for equal status for Filipino WWII veterans prompted approval if another benefit in this very long fight. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included a one-time, lump sum payment for Filipino World War II veterans of $15,000 for U.S. citizen Filipino WWII veterans residing in the U.S. or the Philippines, and $9,000 for veterans who are Philippine citizens. While the one-time payment falls short of our goal of full and equal benefits, it is important relief at a time when the veterans are struggling financially under the weight of the economic crisis. The 62-year struggle for full recognition and equal veteran’s status and dignity continues into the 111th Congress.

Filipino Advocacy and Organizing Project (FAO)

Filipino Advocates for Justice and Asian Health Services (AHS) are in the second year of a project aimed at understanding the most pressing health problems of Filipinos in Union City, where they are 20% of the population. The project began with a health survey of 250 Filipino residents to identify health disparities and barriers to care. With that information FAO will begin a community organizing campaign to advocate for solutions. The study is, in part, a response to a report from the Alameda County Department of Public Health that flags the growing number of TB cases in the Union City area.