The Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000 (Act) basically provides an exemption for certain refugees from certain requirements of the process for naturalization as a United States citizen. The provisions of the Act were incorporated into the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA).
Hmong
The Act is named after the Hmong people. The Hmong are an Asian people who have been in existence for thousands of years, usually living in the mountains and operating under a clan system. In the mid-twentieth century, the Hmong became citizens of Laos. Many Hmong fought as United States allies in the Vietnam Era.
Benefits
People who are eligible under the Act receive two benefits. First, they do not have to demonstrate that they can read, write, and speak English. This is contrary to the regular naturalization requirement, which tests applicants for citizenship on their English skills. Secondly, they are given "special consideration" with respect to the civics test required in the naturalization process. People qualifying under the Act are given the modified civics test that is provided to elderly applicants. This test is usually given to people 65 years of age or older and who have lived in the United States for at least 20 years. During the modified civics test, an applicant may bring an interpreter and may take the test in the language of their choice.
Eligibility
The benefits of the Act are available to people who were either: 1) admitted to the United States as a refugee from Laos who supported U.S. military action during certain dates in 1961 through 1978, or 2) admitted as a refugee from Laos and was a widow of a refugee who supported such U.S. military action. The support of the military action must have been provided by serving with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces based in Laos. The benefits are limited to no more than 45,000 eligible refugees.
Procedures
In order to establish eligibility, a person must provide some type of proof that he served in a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces (or that a woman's husband had done so). This proof may be an affidavit of the man's superior office, two affidavits from people serving with the man, or other proof such as original documents. A person seeking benefits under the Act simply requests the benefit at the time of their naturalization interview.
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