HI SCR108

Urges United States Congress to classify citizens of the Freely Associated States (Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia) who lawfully reside in the United States as "qualified aliens" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Recognizes historic sacrifices of Freely Associated States citizens, including exposure to 67 nuclear tests from 1946 to 1958 and military occupation of island atolls, as well as ongoing military service at some of the highest per-capita recruitment rates compared to U.S. states.

Notes that current federal law denies Freely Associated States citizens lawful U.S. residents access to Medicaid, Social Security Income, food stamps, housing, and other federal benefits available to other legal resident immigrants.

Supports H.R. 912, the "Restoring Medicaid for Compact of Free Association Migrants Act of 2013," introduced by Representative Colleen Hanabusa on February 28, 2013, which would restore Medicaid coverage for eligible residents.

Recommends adoption of the concurrent resolution after receiving testimony in support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and numerous Micronesian and health advocacy organizations.