(Washington, D.C. – July 7, 2025)- The Embassy of the Republic of Palau in Washington, D.C., has issued an urgent memorandum dated July 7, 2025, to all Palauan citizens residing in the United States, advising them to keep copies of their valid Palauan passports and I-94 documentation readily accessible. The advisory comes in response to reports of heightened activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in several states.
In the memorandum, Ambassador Hersey Kyota emphasized the importance of being prepared to verify legal status under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), which allows Palauan citizens to live, work, and study in the United States. The ambassador warned that carrying or storing proper documentation can help avoid unnecessary complications or delays during interactions with immigration officials.
This is not the first time the Embassy has issued such a warning: on January 13, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Palau in Washington released a similar urgent notice alerting Palauan citizens to carry their passport and I-94 documentation due to immigration enforcement concerns at the time. The current advisory echoes those earlier warnings, highlighting the ongoing importance of maintaining proper documentation to ensure COFA rights are protected.
**Key Recommendations for Palauan Citizens:**
* Keep a valid Palauan passport on hand (original and/or a digital copy).
* Maintain a copy of the most recent I-94 arrival/departure record, which can be downloaded from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at [https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov](https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov).
Ambassador Kyota urged citizens whose documents are expired or misplaced to take immediate action to renew or retrieve them. For assistance, citizens can contact the Embassy of Palau in Washington, D.C., at (202) 349-8598 or by email at [info@palauembassy.gov](mailto:info@palauembassy.gov).
The embassy’s message also called on Palauan citizens to share the advisory with family and friends who might be unaware of the current enforcement climate. The preparedness of Palauan citizens, the memorandum notes, is key to ensuring that their rights under COFA remain protected.
“Having proper documentation on hand will help avoid unnecessary complications or delays,” Ambassador Kyota wrote. “Your preparedness ensures that your rights as Palauan citizens under COFA are protected at all times.”
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Palauan citizens in the United States and encouraged them to reach out with any questions or concerns about their documentation or status.
By: Eustoria Marie Borja