Hmong International Human Rights Watch, Nebraska-January 2, 2009- Hmong Refugees in Thailand fear of Forced Repatriation. Approximately 400 Thai military troops deployed to refugee camp in Huay Nam Khao, Phetchabun, Thailand.

  The U.S. government is denying protection to refugees and asylum seekers deserving of our protection.  Under a relatively new policy, the “material support” to terrorists ground of inadmissibility is being applied to individuals who are refugees and asylees as defined by §101(a)(42) of the INA who are not terrorists and urgently require protection.  Ironically, for many of these refugees, the very circumstances that form the basis of their refugee/asylum claim have been interpreted in a way that has made them ineligible for refugee or asylum status in the United States.  For example, refugees and asylum seekers who are coerced or who have acted under duress are being denied protection by the U.S. government regardless of whether or not the payment to the alleged or known terrorist group was voluntary.