Paul. MN. Thao and his family spent 10 miserable years in refugee camps. Mr. President. however we feel about the legacy of the Vietnam war. let us recognize the service of these patriots who came to the aid of the United States in a time of war. and honor the memories of those they left behind. with this modest step. It would not open the floodgates for new immigration by creating a new category of immigrants. nor would it make Hmong patriots eligible for veterans benefits. It simply recognizes the service of Seng Thao and other Hmong like him. who served in U.S.-recruited units during the Vietnam war. by granting them a waiver of the English residency requirements and a waiver of the residency requirement. It does not automatically extend them citizenship. but acknowledges their contributions by easing the path to citizenship. As the immigration bill moves to a HouseSenate conference committee. I urge my colleagues who will serve on the conference to recede to the House language on this important provision. I am confident that we can work together to provide these critical benefits to Hmong veterans who served our Nation during wartime.
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immigrants refugee immigration