Bruce F. Vento: “I support H.R. 5234, a measure that would extend the applicability of the Hmong Veteran's Naturalization Act (PL…”

“I support H.R. 5234, a measure that would extend the applicability of the Hmong Veteran's Naturalization Act (PL 106-207) to widows of the veterans covered by that law. As I've stated in the past, the Lao-Hmong people stood honorably by the United States at a critical time in our nation's history. Approximately 60,000 Lao-Hmong know the Minnesota region as their new home and I have long championed efforts to help ease their adjustment into our society. Many of the older Lao-Hmong patriots who made it to the U.S. are separated from their family members and have had a difficult time adjusting to many aspects of life and culture in the U.S., including passing aspects of the required citizenship test. I appreciate the efforts of those in my district and nationwide to clarify an unintended oversight of the Hmong Veteran's Naturalization Act. Clearly, this Congress did not intend to exclude the widows of those veterans who sacrificed for our country. It is my hope that this technical bill will clear the confusion, and that the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) will work to ensure full and proper implementation of the language and spirit of this law. I was greatly heartened when my colleagues joined me earlier this year to stand with the Lao-Hmong in their struggle to become U.S. citizens and to live a good life in the United States. We were right to recognize their dedication and service.”