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File #: RES 20-464    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
In control: City Council
Final action: 5/13/2020
Title: Opposing deportations of refugees.
Sponsors: Dai Thao, Nelsie Yang, Amy Brendmoen
Title
Opposing deportations of refugees.

Body
WHEREAS, many Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic minority Lao refugees immigrated to the United States, and today over 100,000 Hmong, Lao and other ethnic groups* who trace their heritage to Laos are residents of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic soldiers were recruited and trained by the U.S. CIA to fight alongside U.S. soldiers in the Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, as a direct result of the Secret War, Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic soldiers died and subsequently their families faced persecution and fled Laos; and

WHEREAS, the United States offered protection to its Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic allies after the war, allowing many to resettle in the United States; and

WHEREAS, like many refugee groups before them, Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic refugees from Laos have resettled to the United States to escape war and persecution, to find opportunities, and to better their lives and the lives of their children; and

WHEREAS, Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic groups from Laos became Americans who are helping build a vibrant and diverse St. Paul, contributing culturally, academically, socially, politically, and economically to our city; and

WHEREAS, nearly 4,800 Hmong, Lao, and members of other ethnic groups from Laos, and 8,400 Vietnamese and 1,500 Cambodian individuals across the country have final orders of removal; and

WHEREAS, Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees have already been subjected to deportation for years and have faced hardship and retaliation; and

WHEREAS, Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic groups from Laos who came as refugees have built family and community foundations in St. Paul; many have no family ties in Laos; do not speak the language; and, may have never lived in Laos; and

WHEREAS, Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic refugees who have final orders of removal will face the dangers of marginalization, poverty, violence or death in Laos; and

WHEREAS, the City of St. Paul as...

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