Speech #1010159508

For this group. the English language requirement would be waived. Because their language was an oral one. most Hmong came to the United States unable to read or write in their own language and find that learning the English language is extremely difficult. Therefore. the English test prevents many Hmong. especially the middle aged and elderly. from becoming naturalized. In an effort to reunite Hmong families. my bill also waives the residency and physical presence requirements for those who served with the special guerrilla units. Many Hmong refugees who are living in the United States are still separated from family members. Because of the importance of family to the Hmong. It is indeed a hardship for families to have members scattered throughout the world without much chance for reunification. Once refugees have resettled in other countries. they can only come here as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or according to the preference system under immigration law. Permanent residents can sponsor spouses and unmarried sons and daughters. However. other relatives who want to come to the United States as immigrants must be sponsored by U.S. citizens. Thus. attainment of citizenship is the key to family reunification. As the only refugee serving in the Senate. I have a deep concern for the plight of refugees and immigrants. When I was only 5 years old. I came to this country as a refugee fleeing Nazi Germany. During my time in the Senate. I have worked hard to give others the same chance I hadto find refuge and opportunity within the United States. Our countrys heritage has been enriched by the flow of refugees and immigrants into our Nation. If there is one thing that distinguishes us from other countries. it is that virtually all of us are refugees and immigrantsrefugees and immigrants who energize the United States culturally and intellectually and who help fuel the economy. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.e By Mr. GRAHAM (for himself and Mr.