Advocates empower migrants from Micronesia states, Marshall Islands and Palau in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – For nearly 40 decades, citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau have been free to live and work legally in the U.S. under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). In exchange, the U.S. military has unlimited access to the 2-million square-mile region. COFA migrants were initially given federal benefits as reparations for nuclear testing, but a law in 1996 stripped them of their eligibility for programs like Medicaid, SNAP and financial assistance — even though they pay taxes. “When they come to Hawaii they’re often seeking medical care because the amount of trauma that has been inflicted, not only on their their communities, but on their environment and their ability to survive in a healthy way in their environment, by the United States, is severe,” said immigrant advocate Rebecca Soon. The state and nonprofits stepped up to fill the gap. About 25,000 COFA migrants live in Hawaii — the most of any state. Many work in the hospitality industry and drive Hawaii’s tourism economy. Waipahu Safe Haven began as a computer lab for youth and now helps immigrants of all backgrounds access resources from legal advice to healthcare, critical during the pandemic...