Tonga supports American foreign policy [1]
Friday, April 2, 2010 - 14:40. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Editor,
A wonderful followup in America's show of gratitude to Tonga last week with the opening of the Visa Center (US visa program 29 Mar 2010) in your report. However, I must submit Tonga deserves more . . .
Finally the results of PM Dr. Sevele's negotiations with the George Bush Administration in 2008 are finally coming to fruition.
All Tongan-Americans in the United States are applauding this landmark facilitation of visa processing for our loved ones who wish to come to America. These are the fruits of both Tongan and American learders' visionary foresights to benefit both countries.
Tonga's Support of US
Tonga's commitment to support American foreign policies around the world is unmatched in the Pacific, except perhaps for Australia. Past Tongan monarchies did not hesitate to commit Tonga's tiny military force during world conflicts involving the United States.
The late Queen Salote Tupou III committed Tongan army regiments to assist the U.S. World War II (1936-1945) Pacific Campaign. During the Vietnam War (1965-1973) the late Taufa'ahau Tupou IV campaigned and received increased non-immigrant entry visas for Tongans to enter the US. A flood of young Tongan men and women enlisted, fought, and some died in Vietnam. Some of us pursued higher education in the US, and many have made the US military their lifelong career.
At the outset of George Bush's Iraq War (2003-2007), and responding to America's request, without hesitation Tupou IV committed the tiny Tongan Army to Iraq. While other Pacific countries refused to join George Bush's "Coalition of the Willing," Tonga was the first to sign up along with Australia for military duty in Iraq.
Tonga Deserves Preferred Status
Tongan-Americans do urge the US State Department to grant Tonga more than the "Laptop Non Immigrant Visa Pilot Program" office in Nuku'alofa. We are hopeful for a "Pilot Work Permit Visa" program.
Many young Tongans will enter military service, defend freedom around the world, while learning marketable skills. Young Tongans will pursue higher education opportunities, become productive citizens, and continue to support the great friendship between our two countries.
When America calls, Tonga will always be the US number one supporter.
Sione A. Mokofisi
Director of Sports,
National Tongan-American Society
samokofisi [at] email [dot] phoenix [dot] edu">
samokofisi [at] email [dot] phoenix [dot] edu [2]