Hmong Wisconsin Coalition to Hold Press Conference on the Impact of Material Support Apr. 21

April 20, 2007

MILWAUKEE—(U.S. ASIAN WIRE)--The Hmong have been long time friends of the U.S., having served alongside American soldiers and the CIA during the Vietnam War. It is because of these alliances that thousands of Hmong resettled in the U.S. as refugees after the war ended. Many of the Hmong settled in this state. Wisconsin is home to the third largest Hmong American population in the country, numbering over 33,000 according to the 2000 Census.

However, according to overly broad definitions in U.S. immigration law enacted as part of the Patriot Act and Real ID Act, the Hmong have unintentionally become categorized as terrorists because they fought alongside the U.S. Anyone having provided any form of "material support" including food, water or shelter to anyone aiding U.S. soldiers during the war were considered material supporters of terrorism under these current laws. The consequences of these definitions are far reaching. Hmong abroad who are recognized as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are unable to resettle in the U.S. because of the material support bar. In addition, many Hmong in the U.S. who apply for their green cards, a very first step to citizenship, experience indefinite holds on their applications.

As a result of the severe impact the material support bar has on the Hmong Wisconsin Coalition, community, community leaders will hold a press conference addressing material support. Speaking guests include General Vang Pao, Hmong individuals who are affected by this act and local Hmong leaders. Members of Congress from the state of Wisconsin have also been invited.

General Vang Pao: “The promise had been made that we are friends with the United States of America; therefore, the Hmong were willing to sacrifice their lives for our American friends.”

Saturday April 21, 2007
10:00am - 12:00pm
Grace Hmong Alliance Church
2604 West Orchard Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204

Hmong Wisconsin Coalition:
Lao Family Community, Inc. (Milwaukee), Hmong Wisconsin Radio, (Appleton), Hmong Community of WI (Appleton), Lao Human Rights Council, Inc. (Green Bay), United Hmong International, Inc. (Green Bay), Lao Veterans of Wisconsin (La Crosse), Hmong National Development (Washington DC), Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (Washington DC), La Crosse Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Inc. (La Crosse), Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Inc. (Wausau), Shee Yee Community of Wilwauke (Milwaukee)

Contacts:
Kor Xiong
President, Hmong Wisconsin Radio
920-882-2940
discussion@hmongwisconsonradio.com

Xoua Mark Xiong
414-530-9675