Mandates the creation of a national registry for Korean American divided families to facilitate potential reunions and requires the Secretary of State to advocate for these reunions in dialogues with North Korea.
Suhas Subramanyam
Representative
VA-10
The Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act mandates the State Department to create a national registry of Korean Americans separated from family in North Korea since 1953, in order to prepare for potential family reunions. It requires the Secretary of State to include progress toward these reunions in any dialogue with North Korea, consult with South Korea, and submit annual reports to Congress on the registry's status and reunion efforts. The registry will serve as a private internal database to organize reunions and maintain information on divided families, including those who may have passed away.
Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act: U.S. to Track Families Separated by Korean War, Push for Reunions
The "Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act" is a new piece of legislation that aims to help Korean Americans reconnect with family members in North Korea, from whom they've been separated since the Korean War ended in 1953. Here's the breakdown:
Bridging the Divide
The core of the bill is about creating a national registry. Think of it like an official, secure database managed by the U.S. Secretary of State, specifically through the Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues (or someone else they designate). This registry will collect information on Korean American families who have relatives in North Korea. The goal? To lay the groundwork for potential reunions, whether in-person or via video calls. (SEC. 2)
Real-World Impact: Beyond Just Names
This isn't just about putting names on a list. The registry is meant to be a practical tool. It'll help organize future reunions, potentially in South Korea, the U.S., or other locations. It also creates a protected database of information on these families, including details on family members in North Korea, even those who may have passed away. This is crucial for families who've been living with uncertainty for decades. (SEC. 2)
Pushing for Progress: U.S. - North Korea Dialogue
The bill also tackles the diplomatic side. It mandates that any direct talks between the U.S. and North Korea must include discussions about making these family reunions happen. The Secretary of State is also required to consult with the South Korean government on this. (SEC. 3)
Keeping Tabs: The Annual Report
To ensure things stay on track, the Secretary of State has to submit an annual report to Congress for five years, starting one year after the bill becomes law. This report will cover:
- How the registry is coming along.
- How many people on the registry have actually been able to meet their family members.
- What North Korea's responses have been to requests for reunions.
- Any North Korean rules or actions that are preventing family members from leaving the country to reunite with their loved ones in the U.S. (SEC. 3)
The Big Picture
While this bill focuses on a specific group of people, it touches on broader themes of human rights and international relations. It's a step towards addressing the long-lasting impact of the Korean War on families. The success, of course, hinges significantly on North Korea's cooperation, which has historically been unpredictable. The requirement for annual reports to Congress, specifically to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, adds a layer of accountability. (SEC. 3)