    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 22 (Monday, June 5, 2000)]
    [Page 1242]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Signing the Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000

    May 26, 2000

        Today I signed H.R. 371, the Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of
    2000. This legislation is a tribute to the service, courage, and
    sacrifice of the Hmong people who were our allies in Laos during the
    Vietnam war. After the Vietnam war, many Hmong soldiers and their
    families came to the * United States and have become part of the social
    fabric of American society. They work, pay taxes, and have raised
    families and made America their home. However, some Hmongs seeking to
    become American citizens have faced great difficulty meeting the
    requirements for naturalization for reasons associated with the unique
    circumstances of the Hmong culture. Until recently, the Hmong people had
    no written language. Without this experience, learning English, a
    requirement of naturalization, has been much more difficult for some
    Hmongs. This requirement has prevented many Hmongs from becoming full
    participants in American society. This new law will waive the English
    language requirement and provide special consideration for the civics
    requirement for Hmong veterans and their families. This law is a small
    step but an important one in honoring the immense sacrifices that the
    Hmong people made in supporting our efforts in Southeast Asia. I would
    like to recognize Representative Bruce Vento and Senator Wellstone,
    sponsors of the legislation, for their leadership on this issue.
        * White House correction.

    Note: H.R. 371, approved May 26, was assigned Public Law No. 106-207.
    This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate
    issue.