Letter to the Hon. Mark Green, Admin. of the U.S. Agency for International Development - Rep. Ilhan Omar Leads Letter Opposing Hmong and Lao Deportations

Letter

Dear Administrator Green:

We write to express our concern and ask questions regarding efforts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to expand "reintegration" facilities for those deported from the U.S. to Laos.

For years, our constituents have heard about negotiations with the Laos government to finalize a repatriation agreement. In the absence of such an agreement, rumors have abounded about the U.S.-Laos relationship and the fate of thousands of our Hmong and Lao neighbors. Most recently, our offices have been informed that USAID is preparing "reintegration" facility to help those deported -- and especially people who do not speak Lao or family connections -- reintegrate into Laos society.

We have serious concerns about these actions, and we request a response to the following questions by March 10, 2020.

1. How advanced are USAID's plans to set up these "reintegration" centers? Specifically, how many are in operation to date, and how many additional centers does USAID plan to start?
2. How many people has USAID served through these centers to date?
3. How many people does USAID eventually expect to serve at these centers on an annual basis?
4. Considering the lack of a formal repatriation agreement with Laos, under what agreement USAID carrying out these plans?
5. What source of funding is USAID using to contract for these centers? Has USAID received Congressional authorization to use funds for such activities?
6. What safety considerations has USAID undertaken to ensure that deportees, and especially Hmong refugees, are secure from threats of violence, harassment, and intimidation?