Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act

This bill would set up a national, private registry of Korean American families who were separated from relatives in North Korea after the Korean War armistice. The U.S. Department of State would collect names and other key details from families who want reunions, including information about relatives who may have passed away, to help plan future in-person or video reunions in the United States, South Korea, or a third country.

It would also require that any direct talks between the United States and North Korea include progress toward holding these reunions, and the State Department would consult with South Korea on this work. The department must report to Congress within one year of the law taking effect, and then every year for five years, on the registry’s status, how many people are listed and have or have not had reunions, North Korea’s responses, and any rules or actions that block family members from leaving North Korea.

• Who is affected: Korean American families separated from relatives in North Korea.
• What changes: The State Department creates and maintains a private registry to organize and support reunions, including video reunions, and to store family information.
• When: Reports are due one year after enactment, then annually for five years.
• Diplomatic piece: Any direct U.S.–North Korea talks must include progress on holding reunions, with consultation with South Korea.