Speech #1050026881

CIA official who worked with the Hmong secret army. explained their critical role on national television: "Everyone of them (Hmong) that died. that was an American back home that didnt die. or one that was injured that wasnt injured. Somebody in nearly every Hmong family was either fighting or died from fighting. They became refugees because we (the United States) encouraged them to fight for us. I promised myself: "Have no fear. we will take care of you." It is now time to live up to earlier promises and take care of this group that so valiantly fought alongside American forces. We can only make good on our word by passing this legislation. Currently. many of the 45.000 former soldiers and their refugee family members living in the United States cannot become citizens because they lack the sufficient English language skills to pass the naturalization test. The Intense and protracted war in Laos and the subsequent exodus of the Hmong veterans into squalid refugee camps did not permit these veterans the opportunity to attend school and learn English. Also. many suffer from Injuries that occurred during the war that make learning difficult and frustrating. Because of the welfare and immigration reform bill enacted last Congress. aging. elderly. illiterate (in English). semiliterate and wounded soldiersusually with large familieswill suffer greatly because they are now facing the almost impossible task of immediately learning English and finding gainful employment. People like Chanb Chantalangsv are faced with an uncertain future: Chanh served in the secret army and was seriously wounded in his head. arm. and legs. After being in the liespital for 7 months. he returned to combat. serving in a CIA sponsored unit. Fleeing Laos. he spent 14 years in a refugee camp in Thailand. Realizing that the conditions in his country would not improve. Chanh left the refugee camp and came to the United States. He studied English for 5 years but it became evident that mental and physical injuries prevented him from learning English. In 1093. he was classified disabled and now receives $561 a month in SSI benefita. As of August. he could lose this small benefit. Given the unique role that the veterans served on behalf of the U.S. national security interests. we should waive the difficult naturalization requirements for this group. We have a responsibility to these people. This responsibility was supported by former CIA Director William Colby when he said to a House subcommittee: "The basic burden (of fighting in Laos) was born by the Hmong.