Press Release Office of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez 47th District, California        www.house.gov/sanchez
 VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT DENIES REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ VISA Congresswoman barred from Vietnam while conducting security, human trafficking tour of Southeast Asia
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam, today announced that her visa application was ignored by Vietnam’s government. Rep. Sanchez, who just concluded a Congressional Delegation visit throughout critical parts of Southeast Asia, had hoped to meet with Vietnamese human rights activists and other officials during her trip. Rep. Sanchez has been blocked from visiting the Communist country multiple times during her time in Congress.
“I am extremely disappointed that Vietnam’s government decided to ignore my visa application,” said Rep. Sanchez, who represents the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. “For years, Vietnam has promised to expand the civil, political, and religious liberties of its people in exchange for a greater role in international politics. I strongly believe that elected officials from America and other democracies should have the opportunity to assess Vietnam’s progress, or lack thereof, on these issues firsthand.
“Vietnam’s actions today speak volumes about its stated, but disregarded, commitment to improve transparency and accountability in government,” Rep. Sanchez continued. “We already know from news reports that Vietnam continues to harass and imprison citizens who publicly criticize the Communist government. I fear nothing will change unless the U.S. and international communities take concrete action to punish Vietnam for its abuses.”
Socialist or not, the present government of Vietnam made enormous progresses in rebuilding the country from the ashes and destructions caused by American ordnances. Vietnam is now a haven of stability in an ocean of turmoil, see Thailand for example. President Obama had very well-founded reasons to invite the Vietnamese PM to the Washington Conference on nuclear security this week. Loretta Sanchez should do as the vast majority of our lawmakers in Washington D.C. by supporting Vietnam instead of listening to the vociferous remnants of a defeated army which betrayed its fatherland for \a handful of dollars.\
Maybe, she’ll be welcomed in Vietnam after being kicked out of the House.
basta, loretta
Dick Nguyen is right when stating that Vietnam is now a very stable country politically and its citizens are enjoying a freedom better than in other neighboring countries. The senora Sanchez has no right to come to assess whatsoever in an independant foreign country, leave it to professionals of the State Department. She must know that the younger generation in Little Saigon no more support her extremist ideas. We hope that Messrs Tan Tran and Quang Pham will take notice.