Palik hears concerns of FSM citizens during three-city visit

FSM Information Services

PALIKIR, Pohnpei — The Honorable Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), has concluded a series of outreach visits to FSM citizens in Sacramento, Seattle, and Vancouver while en route back to the FSM following his participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The visits formed part of the Simina-Palik Administration’s continued engagement with FSM communities abroad.

The gatherings provided opportunities to hear directly from citizens, answer questions, and discuss issues affecting FSM citizens residing in the United States. Vice President Palik acknowledged the growing FSM communities abroad and emphasized the importance of maintaining communication so that their experiences and concerns are heard and taken into account by the National Government.

Discussions covered REAL ID requirements, I-94 documentation, dual citizenship, and access to services. Additional topics included medical referral funding, U.S. naturalization and its implications for land ownership in the FSM, passport updates, and employment documentation. Citizens also raised human trafficking concerns related to non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses, travel screening involving past criminal histories, Social Security benefits, and scholarship eligibility.

Vice President Palik encouraged citizens to remain responsible and law-abiding members of their host communities while maintaining strong ties to the FSM. He also encouraged young Micronesians to contribute to national development, whether by returning home or supporting the FSM from abroad.
The Vice President thanked the communities for their warm reception and expressed appreciation to the church leaders, community leaders, and organizers who helped bring citizens together.

Vice President Palik was accompanied by Jackson Soram, FSM Ambassador to the United States; Iven Yaropiy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Ari Skilling, Special Assistant to the Vice President; and FSM Embassy staff.

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