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Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act
3/13/2025, 3:23 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1273
In addition to establishing the registry, the bill also includes provisions for the Secretary of State to work with relevant agencies and organizations to provide support and resources for Korean American divided families. This may include assistance with navigating the complex process of reuniting with family members in North Korea, as well as providing emotional and mental health support for those affected by the separation.
Overall, the Korean American Divided Families Reunification Act seeks to address a longstanding issue affecting many Korean American families and provide them with the necessary resources and support to potentially reunite with their loved ones.
Congressional Summary of HR 1273
Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act
This bill establishes a national registry of Korean American families who wish to be reunited with family members living in North Korea. The bill also requires the Department of State to include reunions of such families in any direct dialogue with North Korea.
Specifically, the bill requires the State Department to (1) collect information on Korean American families, divided from North Korean family members after the Korean War armistice, who wish to be reunited with such family members; and (2) establish a national registry of information on those families to facilitate future reunions. The State Department must ensure that any direct dialogue with North Korea includes progress towards holding such reunions.
The State Department must report to Congress periodically on the registry, previous reunions, and on certain North Korean actions related to reunions.
