Dear Friends:
The Korean-American community has a rich history in the United States, making considerable contributions to the economic, cultural and religious fabric of our nation. The Federation of Korean-American Women’s Associations is an invaluable part of this community. While I regrettably will be unable to attend your kick-off celebration on June 23, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for inviting me and offer my heartfelt congratulations to FKAWA on the occasion of your national convention, as well as welcome you to my home state of Illinois.
I have met many times with Korean-American civic and religious leaders throughout my 22 years in Congress and have long supported issues relevant to your community. For example, last year I introduced H. Con. Res. 226 in the House of Representatives, legislation expressing the sense of Congress that the Government of Japan should formally issue an apology for the sexual enslavement of young women during colonial occupation of Asia and World War II, known to the world as "comfort women.” This bill currently has 32 cosponsors, and it has been referred to the Committee on International Relations for further consideration.
I have also introduced HR 3987, legislation to grant automatic citizenship to permanent resident immigrants to the United States born in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, or Thailand who were fathered by U.S. citizens. This bill has 9 cosponsors and has been referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims for further action. I look forward to working with your organization on these and other matters of mutual concern in the years to come.
Thank you again for your kind invitation, and I wish you a productive and enjoyable national convention.
Sincerely,
Lane Evans
Member of Congress
