| Compact Of Free Association |
Article Index for Compact |
Website Links For Compact |
Information AboutCompact Of Free Association |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION | |
| united states-oceania relations | |
| united states-asian relations | |
| freely associated states | |
| SHOPPER'S DELIGHT | |
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Now sovereign nations, the three freely associated states were formerly part of the Trust Territory Of The Pacific Islands , a United Nations trusteeship administered by the United States Navy from 1947 to 1951 and by the United States Department Of The Interior from 1951 to 1994 . Under these free-association compacts, the United States provides guaranteed financial assistance over a 15-year period in exchange for certain defense rights. The U.S. also treats these nations uniquely by giving them access to many U.S. domestic programs. The freely associated states are all dependent on U.S. financial assistance to meet both government operational and capital needs. The Office of Insular Affairs administers this financial assistance. The freely associated states also actively participate in all Office of Insular Affairs technical assistance activities. In 2003 , the Compacts between the RMI and FSM were renewed for 20 years. These new Compacts provided US$3.5 billion in funding for both nations. US$30 million was also provided to American Samoa , Guam , Hawaii , and the Northern Mariana Islands in "Compact Impact" funding. This funding helps the governments of these localities cope with the expense of providing services to immigrants from the RMI, FSM, and Palau. The US usage of Kwajalein Atoll for missile testing was renewed for the same period. The new Compacts also changed certain immigration rules. RMI and FSM citizens traveling to the US are now required to have passports. [http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/employerinfo/pdf/EIB106.pdf The renewed Compact for FSM took effect on May 1 , 2004 and for RMI on June 30 , 2004 . The Compact for Palau expires in 2009 . SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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