A delegation of resettled Bhutanese from Seattle called on the US Congressman, Adam Smith, and briefed him about their concerns on Jan. 21.
Hari Niroula, Kedar Niroula, Laxmi Rizal and Rabi Banstola of the resettled Bhutanese community in Washington met and handed over a memorandum to the Congressman.
(Photo courtesy: Hari Niroula)
In a brief meeting that took place in Renton District Office the refugee delegates also apprised the Congressman of relevant issues like the question of dual citizenship, repatriation of some refugees, who are not willing to be resettled, continuation of the federal benefits for the elderly who cannot obtain citizenship and a few more.
According to Hari Niroula, the purpose was to advocate refugee issue on behalf of UNHCR, which as an Ambassador of UNHCR from Washington state, he accomplished.
Laxmi Rizal apprised Smith of the citizenship issues while Rabi Banstola raised the point of flexibility of naturalization test for seniors. Kedar Niroula requested for the continuation of federal benefits to elderly, women and children.
The Congressman attended to the points raised by delegates with passion and assured that they shall be taken to White House for discussion in the congress.
