Relief for Vichai Sae Tung

Summary#

This bill would grant lawful permanent resident status to Vichai Sae Tung (also known as Chai Chaowasaree). It says that, despite other immigration laws, Vichai must be treated as having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence as of the date the bill becomes law, if he pays the required visa fees. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to reduce by one the number of immigrant visas available to natives of Vichai's country of birth during the current or a later fiscal year. The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 25, 2025, by Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

What it means for you#

• If you are Vichai Sae Tung: the bill would make you a lawful permanent resident as of the enactment date, provided you pay any required visa fees. Your country of birth would lose one available immigrant visa for the relevant fiscal year.
• If you are not Vichai Sae Tung: the bill applies only to the named person. It does not change general immigration rules for others. It is currently at the committee stage in the Senate.

Expenses#

The bill requires the named individual to pay any required visa fees. No publicly available information on federal budgetary costs or other expenses is included in the bill text or provided metadata.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.