I would like to also mention that the U.S. immigration policy has made it very difficult, too. INS often requires extensive paperwork and documentation that our Montagnard people never had because of our culture and traditions. Many of our people missed the deadline because they never heard about the program, they didn't know how to apply and especially, they didn't have the money to pay the bribes in order to buy their exit permits. For all these reasons, dear Committee members, we Montagnard people need your help to leave Vietnam. We need help with U.S. policy and with Vietnam's policy.
Nothing is more precious than families being together.
The Vietnamese government knows this. It should stop punishing our people and truly promote goodwill, economic normalization and friendship between our two great countries. We came here today to tell you the truth about the conditions experienced by our Montagnard people. We sincerely hope that you will hear our voice. The United States is our best hope for our families and our people.