[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6970]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



               HMONG VETERANS' NATURALIZATION ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2000

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, Tuesday the House passed H.R. 371, the 
Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000. As a cosponsor of this 
legislation, I was pleased to support its passage. Many of these brave 
men have settled in Rhode Island where they make great contributions to 
their communities. It is time that we recognize the contribution of the 
Hmong and pass this legislation.
  From 1961 to 1975, the Hmong were a significant factor in the U.S. 
war efforts in Laos and Vietnam. Throughout the conflict in Vietnam the 
United States recruited the Hmong to fight alongside U.S. soldiers, 
gather data, conduct reconnaissance, and participate in clandestine 
missions. During that time, tens of thousands of Hmong were killed or 
wounded fighting for American interests.
  As part of the agreement between the U.S. and the Hmong soldiers, 
certain promises were made. Among those was the possibility of U.S. 
citizenship for those who served on behalf of the U.S. However, because 
they did not have a written language, it is nearly impossible for many 
of these Hmong to pass the language section of Immigration test. This 
bill provides the necessary relief for these courageous men.
  The time has come to recognize the Hmong and honor our commitment to 
them.

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