# Plain Language Summary: Honor Our Commitment Act of 2023

This bill protects Vietnamese refugees and their descendants from being deported from the United States if they arrived before July 12, 1995. The core idea is straightforward: the U.S. made a commitment to Vietnamese people who fled the Vietnam War, and this bill says the government should honor that promise by not sending them back to Vietnam.

Here's who this affects and why it matters. After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the U.S. brought in about 130,000 Vietnamese refugees, with over 50,000 settling in Southern California. These people have now lived in America for nearly 50 years, built families, businesses, and communities. Many are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who committed minor crimes years ago and now face deportation. The bill protects these people—including those who came as children and have no real connection to Vietnam anymore—from being removed. The only exceptions are if someone is deemed a direct threat to national security or is subject to extradition for serious crimes.

The bill also requires the government to notify affected Vietnamese nationals about their protections and to give them work authorization. This is important because some people with removal orders may not know they're now protected under this law. Additionally, the bill allows people to go back to court to reopen their cases if they've already been ordered deported. The practical effect is that hundreds or potentially thousands of Vietnamese Americans who were facing deportation would be allowed to stay, work legally, and continue their lives in the country they've called home for decades.

Honor Our Commitment Act of 2023

Correa, J. Luis

Honor Our Commitment Act of 2023This bill prohibits the detention or removal of a national of Vietnam who entered the United States on or before July 12, 1995, has continuously resided in the United States since entry, and is subject to a final order of removal (i.e., covered individual). This&nbsp;prohibition does not apply to an individual who (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has determined is directly responsible for harming the security of the United States, or (2) is subject to extradition.Under the bill, a covered individual shall receive work authorization.&nbsp;The bill directs DHS to provide notice of the bill’s provisions to covered individuals. The notice shall include information explaining the requirements and instructions for filing a motion to reopen removal proceedings.&nbsp;