Bill Would Help Hmong, Vietnam War Allies

By FREDERIC J. FROMMER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – The massive budget bill before Congress contains legislation that would make it easier for Vietnam War allies such as the Hmong to seek asylum in the U.S., by changing a law that bars people who take up arms from asylum or green cards.

Under provisions of the USA Patriot Act and the Real ID Act, the Hmong who fought alongside Americans in the “secret war” against communists in the 1960s and 1970s in Laos are disqualified because they are considered terrorists.

The end-of-the-year, $500 billion-plus catchall bill has language that declares that the Hmong, and other groups that had been ensnared by the anti-terrorism laws, such as the Montagnards from Vietnam, are not to be considered terrorists. Many Montagnards were also U.S. allies during the Vietnam War.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071217/ap_on_go_co/terror_laws_refugees_2

Related:
Vietnam: Hmong Remain Enemies of the Communist State