Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 1997
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (21 Oct 1998): Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2278-2279)
What this bill does
H.R. 371, the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 1997, would ease naturalization requirements for certain aliens who served with special guerrilla units operating from bases in Laos in support of the United States between February 28, 1961, and September 18, 1978. The bill would waive the English-language testing requirement under the Immigration and Nationality Act for these individuals and for their spouses or widows. It would also allow such veterans to naturalize under provisions of law normally reserved for aliens who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces during the Vietnam era, effectively treating their guerrilla service as equivalent to U.S. military service for naturalization purposes.
The bill primarily affects Hmong and other Laotian veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War era, along with their spouses or widows. It directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service to verify such service using flexible forms of proof—including refugee processing records, officer affidavits, original documents, or affidavits from fellow unit members—and instructs the agency to interpret this evidence liberally given the difficulty of documenting service in irregular guerrilla units.
The bill was introduced in the House on January 7, 1997, by Rep. Bruce Vento and referred to the Judiciary Committee. On June 17, 1998, the committee voted 20–9 to order the bill reported, as amended, but it did not receive a further floor vote before the 105th Congress ended, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 1997 - Waives the English language naturalization requirement for certain aliens (or their spouses or widows) who served with special guerilla units in Laos. Provides for naturalization under the Immigration and Nationality Act through such service.
Timeline
21 Oct 1998
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2278-2279)
Common questions
- What does H.R. 371 do?
- H.R. 371, the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 1997, would ease naturalization requirements for certain aliens who served with special guerrilla units operating from bases in Laos in support of the United States between February 28, 1961, and September 18, 1978. The bill would waive the English-language testing requirement under the Immigration and Nationality Act for these individuals and for their spouses or widows. It would also allow such veterans to naturalize under provisions of law normally reserved for aliens who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces during the Vietnam era, effectively treating their guerrilla service as equivalent to U.S. military service for naturalization purposes. The bill primarily affects Hmong and other Laotian veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War era, along with their spouses or widows. It directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service to verify such service using flexible forms of proof—including refugee processing records, officer affidavits, original documents, or affidavits from fellow unit members—and instructs the agency to interpret this evidence liberally given the difficulty of documenting service in irregular guerrilla units. The bill was introduced in the House on January 7, 1997, by Rep. Bruce Vento and referred to the Judiciary Committee. On June 17, 1998, the committee voted 20–9 to order the bill reported, as amended, but it did not receive a further floor vote before the 105th Congress ended, meaning it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 371 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 371. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 371?
- H.R. 371 was sponsored by Rep. Vento, Bruce F. [D-MN-4] (D-MN), with 77 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 371?
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2278-2279) (21 Oct 1998).
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More bills from Rep. Vento, Bruce F. [D-MN-4]
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