Filipino-American military ties may increase abandoned children

World Today

Independence Day in the U.S. also marks Philippine Republic day, also know as Filipino-American Friendship Day. CCTV’s Barnaby Lo reports on the nearly 250,000 Amerasians living in the Philippines.

Filipino soldiers fought alongside Americans during World War Two, and the United States still maintains an air base in Angeles City. When U.S. troops left in the early 1990s, it was estimated that at least 50,000 children fathered by American soldiers were left behind. Currently, it’s estimated that 250,000 Amerasians and their children live in the Philippines.

The Amerasian Immigration Act passed in 1982 gave preferential immigration status to children in Asia fathered by U.S. troops, but Filipino children were excluded. Those left in the Philippines without recognition from their fathers are still living in the Philippines, enduring a life of discrimination.

Recently, a military agreement was signed between the two countries that is expected to increase the number of American troops in the Philippines, and there is fear that this could lead to more abandoned children.

Filipino-American military ties may increase abandoned children

Independence Day in the U.S. also marks Philippine Republic day, also know as Filipino-American Friendship Day. CCTV's Barnaby Lo reports on the nearly 250,000 Amerasians living in the Philippines.