SENATE BILL REPORT

HJM 4041

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long-Term Care, February 18, 2004

Brief Description: Requesting relief for the Aganda family of Selah, Washington.

Sponsors: Representatives Clements, Skinner, Kenney, Hudgins, Santos and Hinkle.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/18/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Brandland, Franklin, Keiser, Parlette and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7198)

Background: The Aganda family of Selah, Washington, lawfully entered the United States from the Philippines on October 22, 1990, and purchased a small laundry business. The family sought an investor's visa but was denied because the business was considered too small to support the family. However, the business has supported the family for over a decade.

U.S. Immigration Services are seeking to deport Tomas Aganda, his wife Judy Aganda, and their daughter Jennylyn Aganda back to the Philippines. Judy Aganda requires continued treatment for a cancerous growth at the base of her skull. This treatment is not available to her in the Philippines. A U.S. district court has granted a six-month stay of the deportation order which will end April 17, 2004.

The Aganda's daughter, Stephanie, was born in the U.S. and when she reaches the age of 21 next year, she will be able to file an immigrant visa for her parents. The Aganda's two sons attend school in the U.S. and have student visas.

Summary of Bill: A petition is made to the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, the President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Washington State congressional delegation to end the efforts to deport the Aganda family, or to seek relief for the Aganda family through the passage of a private bill of relief.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Testimony For: This family has stayed within the law and sought a visa to remain in this country. If they are deported, it will have grave health consequences for Judy Aganda. We seek an indefinite Humanitarian Stay for this family.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Representative Clements, prime sponsor; Marty Brown, OFM.