Through communication with other organizations working with refugees, FIRM has become aware that the US Citizenship and Immigration Service has been working with Laos on a possible repatriation agreement in the future of Hmong and Lao refugees. A similar agreement of this kind was developed with Cambodia in 2002. In 2017-2018, the United States has sought to deport Cambodians at double the rate since the agreement was made in 2002. This is deeply concerning for FIRM and the many organizations that work with the Cambodian community throughout the country In the Fresno area alone, this might include thousands of persons who came as refugees and may have reasons to have orders for deportation to Laos.
“We are keenly aware of the current administration’s intentions regarding deportations of refugees and immigrants, and we hope to stand with our community in a proactive way,” said FIRM Executive Director Zack Darrah.
Citizenship classes will begin at FIRM on February 12, to be held Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 11 AM. These classes will be free, and will help attendees prepare for the oral exam citizenship test, as well as help with application processes. These classes are not limited to Lao or Hmong refugees. Anyone who would like help preparing for the citizenship exam will be welcomed. Depending on demand, FIRM is looking to expand these classes to nights and weekends as well.
If you know refugees who are not yet citizens and hope to remain in the US, please encourage them to consider attending citizenship classes.