[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.