Corsicana, Texas & Honolulu, Hawaii — As part of his ongoing commitment to engage with Micronesian citizens abroad, His Excellency President Wesley W. Simina conducted citizen outreach events in Corsicana, Texas on September 29th and in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 1st —two areas with significant FSM populations.

These outreaches provided an invaluable opportunity for President Simina and his delegation comprising of key cabinet members and staff – to raise awareness on government initiatives and foster open dialogue with FSM citizens regarding their most pressing concerns.

While in Corsicana, President Simina also met with Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson to express his gratitude for the Senator’s continued support of the FSM community in Texas.

During their discussions, the President and Senator Johnson explored issues related to FSM citizens residing in Texas, with the goal of ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed.

President Simina also took the opportunity to meet with local FSM community leaders in Corsicana, further strengthening ties between the government and its citizens abroad.

The outreach events addressed several key issues raised by FSM citizens, including concerns related to passport services, dual citizenship, and social security. President Simina assured attendees that these concerns were carefully noted and that concrete steps were being undertaken to address them.

“On the home front back in the FSM, perhaps more relevant to your awareness is the recent passing of the constitutional amendments including one for dual citizenship for all FSM citizens. I’m aware that this is an important issue for citizens living abroad,” President Simina emphasized, highlighting the importance of the recent amendment to the FSM Constitution that allows dual citizenship, which is particularly relevant to citizens living in the United States.

In response to concerns about FSM Social Security services, President Simina announced a forthcoming outreach effort: “I’ve instructed our FSM Social Security team to conduct outreach and public awareness workshops here in Hawaii soon. We want to ensure that citizens abroad have access to the necessary information and services.”

Additionally, the President provided an update on the efforts to enhance consular services in the United States, including plans to open a new FSM Consulate office in the Midwest region. “One of the primary responsibilities of the national government is the constitutional mandate to carry out the work of foreign affairs, including consular services to citizens. I’ve set out a plan to expand our services with a new office and infrastructure,” said President Simina. He noted that the administration is working closely with the FSM Congress to determine the best location for this new consulate to better serve FSM citizens in the United States.

During the outreach, President Simina also highlighted his administration’s efforts to advocate for FSM citizens on the global stage, including his recent engagement with U.S. President Joe Biden and his participation in the Compact of Free Association discussions. “In New York, I met with U.S. President Biden to reaffirm the strong relations between FSM and the United States, with your citizens living in the U.S. in mind,” President Simina shared. He praised the work of the Hawaii Congressional delegation, particularly Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, as well as Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, for their support in securing important benefits under the Compact.

In closing, President Simina reiterated his administration’s commitment to making citizen outreach a regular practice. “When I assumed office a year ago, I made it a point to my staff that citizens living abroad are a priority of my administration. I want a government that is responsive to the needs of its people, both at home and abroad,” he said, pledging continued engagement in the months and years ahead.

The President’s delegation included Madame Ancelly Simina, First Lady of the FSM; T.H. Ricky Cantero, Deputy Secretary of the Dept. of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Jackson Soram, FSM Ambassador to the United States; T.H. Leonito Bacalando Jr., Secretary of the Dept. of Justice; Chief Adviser on Compact Matters Mr. Leo Falcam Jr.; Assistant Secretary Kehlen Halbert; Special Assistant to the President on State Affairs and Chairman of the Board for the FSM Social Security Administration Mr. Jack Harris .

The outreach events concluded with a Q&A session where President Simina and his delegation addressed further inquiries from citizens. These sessions underscore the administration’s dedication to transparent communication and responsive governance for FSM citizens, regardless of where they reside.

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