Hawaii Senate Bill SCR223

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Allow Migrants To The United States From Compacts Of Free Association States To Benefit From Federal Emergency Aid.

Impact

The resolution acknowledges that the current legislative framework denies critical assistance to a vulnerable population residing in Hawaii. It draws attention to the fact that while the COFA permits citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau to live and work in the U.S. without a visa, they remain ineligible for federal disaster relief aid. By advocating for changes to these restrictions, SCR223 aims to enable more effective disaster recovery efforts and improve the standard of living for these with affected communities.

Summary

SCR223 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to pass legislation allowing migrants from the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) states to access federal emergency aid. This bill arises from the challenges faced by these migrants, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, which highlighted their inability to access essential federal services and housing due to restrictive welfare laws enacted in 1996. Under these laws, COFA migrants are largely barred from receiving most federal benefits, creating significant barriers to support during emergencies.

Contention

There are notable political implications surrounding SCR223, stemming from its bipartisan nature and the ongoing discussions in Congress regarding federal aid for these migrants. Supporters of the resolution believe restoring access to federal benefits is a moral imperative, especially following natural disasters, while opponents may argue concerning the fiscal implications of extending aid to non-citizens. Furthermore, the bill symbolizes a broader conversation around immigration policy, federal support mechanisms, and the consequences of past welfare reforms, making it a significant point of contention within state and national dialogues.