Congress May Consider Measure To Help Hmong Who Want To Be Naturalized Citizens

Sometime this year, Congress may consider whether the Hmong deserve special recognition for fighting America’s secret war.

A pair of Minnesota congressmen sponsored a bill to make it easier for former Hmong soldiers, their wives or widows and their children to become naturalized citizens.

Rep. Bruce Vento, D-Minn., proposed such a change last year, but it was removed from the overall legislation on immigration. He’s trying again.

“The Hmong stood by the U.S. at a crucial time in our history,” Vento said. “Now we have an opportunity to repay that loyalty.”

It wouldn’t grant them benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. But by helping them to become citizens, it would make them eligible for Supplemental Security Income.

The bill recognizes that the Hmong, who come from a culture without extensive records and fought “off the books” for America, don’t have the standard forms to prove their service. It directs the Immigration Service to accept other proof, such as a sworn statement by a superior or two other members of the unit, to verify a soldier’s service.

“During the Vietnam conflict, Hmong forces were responsible for risking their lives by crossing enemy lines to rescue downed American pilots,” Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., said when he introduced the bill on May 8. “It is now time to live up to earlier promises and take care of this group that so valiantly fought alongside American forces.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo Graphic: Hmong veterans face new challenge