Washington, D.C., January 28, 2025: The Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) in Washington, D.C., has issued an official letter reaffirming the immigration rights of Marshallese citizens under the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the United States. Addressed to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs & Border Control, and Immigration & Customs Enforcement, the letter highlights the legal basis for Marshallese citizens to live and work in the U.S. without restrictions that typically apply to other foreign nationals.
According to the letter, under Title I, Article V, Subsection 141(a) of COFA, natural-born and qualified naturalized Marshallese citizens are entitled to enter, reside, and engage in employment within the U.S. and its territories as lawful non-immigrants. This provision exempts them from certain conditions outlined in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, ensuring that they do not require visas or green cards to establish residency.
The document serves as a reaffirmation of the agreement between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States, reinforcing the importance of COFA in facilitating economic opportunities and legal protections for Marshallese citizens living abroad. The letter also provides contact details for consular services at RMI diplomatic missions, including the Embassy in Washington, D.C., and consulates in Hawaii and Arkansas.
The embassy urged relevant U.S. agencies to recognize these legal protections and ensure that Marshallese citizens are not wrongfully subjected to immigration enforcement measures. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the renewal and implementation of COFA agreements with Pacific Island nations, which play a crucial role in maintaining strategic and economic ties between the U.S. and the Pacific region.
The Compact of Free Association is a long-standing agreement between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. Under COFA, these nations receive economic assistance and defense guarantees in exchange for granting the U.S. exclusive military access to their territories. In turn, COFA citizens can travel, reside, and work in the U.S. without a visa, though they do not automatically qualify for citizenship or permanent resident status.
With COFA negotiations ongoing, this latest correspondence from the Marshall Islands Embassy serves as a critical reminder of the agreement’s legal framework and its significance for thousands of Marshallese living in the U.S.
Implications Moving Forward
As the U.S. Congress continues to debate the future of COFA funding and policies, this letter underscores the need for clear enforcement of immigration provisions. The Embassy’s move may also serve as a preemptive measure against potential challenges faced by Marshallese citizens at border crossings or during interactions with immigration authorities.
The reaffirmation of rights under COFA highlights the enduring diplomatic relationship between the Marshall Islands and the United States and reinforces the commitment to upholding international agreements that impact Pacific communities abroad.
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