U.S. Immigration Visa for Amerasian Children: Conditions, Documents, and Procedures for Immigration to the U.S.

After the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, many Amerasian children – those of mixed Vietnamese and American parentage – found themselves living in poverty and isolation. Understanding this situation, the U.S. Congress passed the Amerasian Immigration Act in 1982. Later, in 1987, the Amerasian Homecoming Act was enacted, which facilitated the immigration process for nearly 30,000 Amerasian children to reunite with their American fathers.

However, some Amerasian children still remain in Vietnam, struggling to make ends meet and some even orphaned.

In the following article, ImmiPath will provide comprehensive information on the U.S. immigration visa application process for Amerasian children, including all necessary steps and fees. This guide aims to assist those who are Amerasian children of U.S. citizens in reuniting with their American roots and enjoying the freedom that the U.S. offers to its citizens. Read on to find out more!

1. Overview of the Amerasian Visa Program

Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, more than 58,000 U.S. soldiers lost their lives in Vietnam, and around 2,000 were classified as missing in action (POW/MIA). However, the exact number of Amerasian children born during that time remains largely undocumented.

With the war’s conclusion, the lives of these Amerasian children, born to American fathers and Vietnamese mothers, became marked by loneliness, poverty, and hardship.

Many Amerasian children, with American fathers and Vietnamese mothers, are still left in Vietnam and struggle to make a living.

In 1982, the U.S. Congress enacted the Amerasian Immigration Act, and in 1987, the Amerasian Homecoming Act—often referred to as “Amerasian Homecoming”—was introduced. This legislation paved the way for nearly 30,000 Amerasian children to migrate from Vietnam to the U.S., marking the inception of the Amerasian visa program.

In addition, to support Amerasians still residing in Vietnam, the organization Amerasians Without Borders launched its campaign in July 2016 to urge the U.S. Congress to review the cases of over 400 Amerasian children. 

This initiative, known as “Amerasians Without Borders,” aims to use DNA testing as a tool to prove to these 400 Amerasian brothers and sisters still in Vietnam and thus have the right to join their American families and enjoy the freedoms afforded to U.S. citizens.

2. What are the Conditions for Obtaining a U.S. visa under the Amerasian programs?

U.S. immigration law provides a pathway for Amerasian children born outside the U.S. to immigrate to the U.S.

Currently, there are 2 programs under which Amerasian children can apply for U.S. residency: the Amerasian Immigration Act and the Amerasian Homecoming Act.

• To qualify under the Amerasian Immigration Act, the applicant must be born in one of the following countries: Cambodia, South Korea, Laos, Thailand, or Vietnam; have a birthdate between December 31, 1950, and before October 22, 1982; have the biological father who is a U.S. citizen.
• To qualify under the Amerasian Homecoming Act, the applicant must be born in Vietnam between January 1, 1962, and January 1, 1976; have the biological father who is a U.S. citizen.
• The sponsor must be at least 21 years old and have the financial capability to support the applicant’s visa application for U.S. residency.

3. How Can You Prove Amerasian Status?

To prove Amerasian status and qualify for a U.S. immigrant visa and green card, the amerasian must provide the following evidence:

• DNA Test Results
• Birth Certificate
• Identification documents of the father and, if available, the mother.
• Photos or memorabilia related to the father and mother, if available.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies about the father, including his position and unit, if applicable.
• Other Evidence

4. Procedure for Applying for an Amerasian Visa

To start the application for an Amerasian visa, you need to complete Form I-360.

If the Amerasian is in Vietnam, you can submit the application at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam.

If the Amerasian is in the U.S., submit the application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) concurrently with Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and do not need to return to Vietnam for an interview.

Note: The biological father/mother, step-parents, and unmarried siblings under 21 years old can also apply for immigrant visas to join the Amerasian child.

5. What are the Documents Required for Amerasian Immigration?

To initiate the Amerasian visa application, prepare the following documents:

• A letter requesting consideration for the Amerasian visa.
• Full name, date of birth, and place of birth of the sponsor.
• Full name, date of birth, and, if known, U.S. citizenship status of the biological father.
• Current residence address and contact details of the applicant.
• A letter explaining why the applicant believes they are an Amerasian. Include information about the circumstances and timeframe when the U.S. citizen father and the applicant’s mother met. Attach copies of any supporting evidence, if available.
• Copies of Birth certificate and passport or ID card.
• One visa photo (5cm x 5cm), taken within the last 6 months.

6. How Can You Successfully Apply for an Amerasian Visa?

As ImmiPath has outlined, applying for an Amerasian visa to the U.S. involves numerous procedures, documents, and evidence, including DNA testing. If any documents are missing or if the evidence is not convincing, the application may be rejected, and the child may not be able to enjoy the rights in their father’s homeland.

To increase the chances of a successful Amerasian visa application, you can seek assistance from ImmiPath. Our experienced team will help you prepare a complete and compelling Amerasian visa application, saving you time and effort.

If you believe you are the child of a U.S. citizen, either from wartime or peacetime, and wish to immigrate to the U.S. under the Amerasian category, you can comment below. ImmiPath’s team will be happy to answer your questions and provide dedicated advice.