The COFA Agreement

Map of the Pacific

 Why the COFA Agreement Feels Unfair

    The COFA is the Compact of Free Association (COFA), which was created to be a partnership with mutual benefits between the United States and the freely associated states; the FSM, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau). According to the agreement, it provides opportunities for migration, defense, and aid to the people. However, from the impact of the COFA agreement, especially those who have migrated under it, it is blatantly clear that the agreement is far from a partnership. 

Hawaiian Event with citizens under COFA

Inequality & Broken Promises

    From the COFA, the United States gained significant and strategic military advantages. While the citizens from the Freely Associated States were promised the ability to live, work, and study in the U.S. However, that "freedom" comes with many disadvantages. After moving, COFA migrants are usually challenged with limited access to healthcare, housing, and are excluded from benefits that other US citizens are eligible to receive. 

    This seems unjust that the individuals who contribute to the economy and even serve in the military can be denied from social services that others receive.

COFA: Micronesian Family

Humanity

    Going beyond funding and policies, there is an issue with humanity with the COFA. Various families are split between the islands and the U.S. mainland, where the migrants often faces issues with identity and discrimination. The migrants who work hard to build their new lives are often stereotypes or blamed for many issues that come from governmental neglect. 

Final Thoughts

    The COFA agreements reflects an unequal partnership. While in theory, it offers opportunities, in practice it has only created inequalities and social challenges. A true partnership means more than access to the land, it includes accountability and compassion. Until those factors guide how the U.S. government engages with the citizens from the Freely Associated States and Pacific territories, the agreement will continue to remain unfair and one sided.