Two UW-Plattevlle students traveled to Washington D.C. voicing their concern about the repatriation of the Hmong in Thailand and the genocide of their people in Laos.

In February Porsia Vang and Bao Lee, both members of the Hmong Club on campus, enjoyed an emotional trip to Capitol Hill meeting with representatives and senators. In Washington they met with Sen. Russ Feingold’s foreign affairs staff, Congressional Rep. from Rhode Island, Patrick Kennedy, Sen. Herbert Kohl’s staff, Congressman Ron Kind’s staff and other staff from congressional representatives from Wisconsin, California and Minnesota.

“We need help from Capitol Hill to make sure that our people will be safe or can resettle in other countries,” Vang said.

Vang and Lee both have family members in the refugee camp and they want to make sure that the Thai authorities won’t mistreat them. “I saw videos and photos of the crisis in Thailand that just made me cry because I felt so helpless,” Vang said.
“The Hmong people have done a great deal to help the United States and they are the only reason why I am even here pursuing my dream,” Lee said.

There is good news coming back from Washington already. Vang, Hmong Club President, said she received a phone call from Rep. Kind and they discussed concerns about the crisis and he assured her he would continue bringing the crisis to awareness of the Thai authorities.

Rep. Kind and 20 other congressional members have drafted a petition to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding the repatriation of the Hmong.

Vang and Lee are very grateful to the University for helping to fund the trip. Carlos Wiley of MERC  paid for the meals, Dr. Jane Hamilton Merritt paid for the airfare and the University paid for hotel accommodation and transportation.

“On behalf of the Hmong people, I would like to give a special ‘thank you’ to Butts, Chancellor Markee and Carlos Wiley for their generosity and support,” Lee said.
Both students said they have plans to return to Washington D.C. in the future to continue raising awareness about the Hmong humanitarian situation. “I will always be more than honored to take any opportunity to make the world a better place for everyone, especially my people, the Hmong,” Lee said.