The Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act mandates the creation of a national registry to help Korean American families separated by the Korean War reunite with relatives in North Korea and requires the Secretary of State to advocate for these reunions in discussions with North Korea.
Timothy "Tim" Kaine
Senator
VA
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 the Korean War, to facilitate reunions. It requires the Secretary of State to include family reunion progress in discussions with North Korea and consult with South Korea. Additionally, the Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues must report annually on the registry's status, reunion progress, and North Korea's actions regarding family reunions. The bill allocates \$1,000,000 for these activities.
New Bill Orders Registry, Diplomatic Push for Korean American Families Split by War; $1M Authorized
This legislation, the "Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act," directs the U.S. government to create an official list of Korean Americans separated from family members in North Korea since the Korean War armistice on July 27, 1953. It earmarks $1 million for this registry (Section 2) and requires U.S. diplomats to push for family reunions in any talks with North Korea (Section 3). The core goal is to formally track these families and make reunification a stated diplomatic priority.
More Than Just a List: Building the Registry
Section 2 tasks the Secretary of State with identifying Korean Americans who wish to reunite with relatives in North Korea, whether in person or via video. The resulting national registry isn't just about names; it's designed as a central information hub, potentially including data on deceased relatives, specifically to support future reunion efforts. Think of it as creating a formal system to manage information for families who have lived with separation for nearly 70 years, aiming to facilitate potential reconnections.
Putting Reunions on the Table
Beyond creating a list, Section 3 mandates diplomatic action. It directs the Secretary of State to ensure that progress on these family reunions is always part of the conversation in discussions between the U.S. and North Korea. It’s not optional; it's a required agenda item. The bill also necessitates consultation with the South Korean government, acknowledging the interconnected nature of this issue on the peninsula.
Keeping Tabs: Reporting Back
To track progress and maintain focus, the bill modifies existing reporting duties. The Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues must now include specific details about these efforts in their annual report to Congress, as required by the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 (referenced via 22 U.S.C. 7817(d)). This report needs to cover the registry's status, the number of people who have successfully reunited, North Korea's responses to reunion requests, and any documented actions by North Korea preventing family members from leaving. This adds a layer of accountability, ensuring Congress stays informed on whether diplomatic efforts are yielding results.