Full Statement of Executive Director Melisa Laelan to Congress

Being part of the strongest security force that protects the Marshall Islands and other Freely Associated countries was the greatest accomplishment I pursued as a young woman. At no time did I ever questioned my decision to be part of the US military because I was taught to think of Americans as our friends, allies, and family. This unique friendship through the Compact of Free Association outlines the mutual symbiotic relationship between United States of America and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which permits Marshallese and other Compact of Free Association (COFA) citizens to travel to the U.S without any need for visa or limitation of stay. American citizens are also afforded the same visitation freedom to the COFA nations.

Arkansas Coalition of MarshalleseOctober 21, 2021marshallese advocacy, marshallese policies, RMI, Republic of the Marshallese Islands, Marshallese Community, freely associated states, COFA, FAS, Compact of Free Association, Marshallese Citizens, citizens of COFA, citizens of FAS