How Do I Benefit From the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Law?

[New York Immigration Lawyer]

How Do I Benefit From the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Law?

What is the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization law?

The Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000, which became law on May 26, 2000, provides an exemption from the English language requirement and special consideration for civics testing for certain refugees from Laos applying for naturalization.

Where Can I Find the Law?

The general law on naturalization is located at Section 312 and Section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. You may also access the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000. You can also access the November 1, 2000, revisions to the Act.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible to apply for the exemption and special consideration if you can answer "yes" to any of the following questions:

· Were you admitted to the United States as a refugee from Laos (pursuant to section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act), AND did you support the United States military by serving with a special guerrilla unit (SGU), or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos at any time between February 28, 1961 through September 18, 1978? OR

· Are you the widow of such a veteran described above who died or was killed in Laos, Thailand, or Vietnam and were you admitted to the United State as a refugee from Laos (pursuant to section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act)? OR

· Were you married to such a veteran the day the veteran applied for admission into the United States as a refugee from Laos and were you admitted into the United State as a refugee from Laos (pursuant to section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act)?

How Do I Apply?

Eligible applicants–including those who currently have pending naturalization applications–can request this benefit at the time of their naturalization interview. There are no additional forms to be completed and no additional fee.

Form N-400 is filed with the USCIS Service Center having jurisdiction over your place of residence.