WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy wants to make it easier for Vietnam War allies now considered terrorists to come to the United States.

The budget bill before Congress would change a law that bars people who take up arms from asylum or green cards.

Under provisions of the USA Patriot Act and the Real ID Act, the Hmong who fought alongside Americans in the "secret war" against communists in the 1960s and 1970s in L

The bill declares that groups such as the Hmong, the Montagnards from Vietnam other groups can seek asylum to come to the United States.

Leahy says the change brings American law into line with American values.

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