Congressman Urges Japan to Address 500+ Cases of American Children Abducted by Parents

Rep. Chris Smith personally delivered a letter to Japan's PM urging action on 500+ cases of American children abducted by a parent and held in Japan.

The abductions often violate pre-existing court orders and happen with the passport assistance of the Japanese government.

Smith wrote the abductions are an "open wound" threatening U.S.-Japan relations and requested public commitment to reunite families.

The U.S. has laws requiring State Dept action when countries like Japan fail to resolve 30% of 12-month+ abduction cases.

Smith said the trauma of parental abduction is not easily erased and hoped the children could be a source of strength rather than injustice between the countries.