“My Dad”

Damu Vang

Hmong | Saint Paul, Minnesota | he/him/his

Hello, my name is Damu Vang, I am 19 years old. I was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I am also a graduate of City Academy, the oldest of 4 children, big brother to 3 sisters, and a community member impacted by harmful deportation policies. 

I am at a phase in my life where I am supposed to focus on what I want to do with the rest of my life. But about one year ago, I overheard my parents speaking about deportation and learned my dad has a removal order to Laos. I thought I misunderstood the conversation, so I went to my parents to clarify what I heard. 

To my surprise, it was true. I am still in shock today and can not even imagine a world without my dad at home. My dad had always given me little lectures about making good choices, learning from his mistakes, and how important it is for me to succeed. I thought it was usual parent lectures, but I am starting to realize the meaning behind it all.

My dad made a mistake in 1996, when he was 18 years old, a year younger than I am today, and hasn’t gotten in trouble since. 

He came to the U.S. in 1978 with his family, including my grandfather who was a young Hmong soldier that fought in the “Secret War” led by General Vang Pao on behalf of the Americans. 

Minnesota has been his home for nearly 40 years.

He and my mom have been together for 26 years, he has raised me and my 3 sisters and even takes care of my grandparents. 

Last fall my mother had a stroke, we have been struggling, as she slowly recovers. It’s devastating to think things could get any worse with deportation lingering over our heads. My dad is the foundation of our family, he is what holds us together, without him we would fall apart. 

A couple of months ago I testified for the first time at a hearing to support House File 833, Post-Conviction Relief. This bill would allow individuals with old convictions who are facing deportation, like my dad, the opportunity to seek relief and be able to challenge their deportation order. While Minnesota law allows some individuals to seek post-conviction relief, for too many this path toward justice is cut off. I am asking the state to please consider giving people like my dad another chance. Support my dad’s petition for Post-Conviction Relief, Pass the bill, and Support Keeping Families, like mine, Together. 

Damu Vang is a rising immigrant justice advocate. He has been actively involved in anti-deportation work, including speaking out against harmful deportation policies at events and with policymakers. When he’s not advocating, he spends his time with his family, caring for three younger sisters, and watching documentaries. He hopes to someday enter the medical field to continue caring for and helping others.