A surprising confession by a Minnesota State Representative on Monday has ignited a firestorm of controversy and calls for investigation.
During a session on the House floor, Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (DFL–St. Paul) openly admitted that she and her family are living in the U.S. without legal authorization, sparking debate over her eligibility to hold office and possible legal consequences.
Rep. Her, who represents District 64A and serves as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore as well as co-chair of key committees including Commerce, Finance and Policy, explained the circumstances behind her status during the session.
“Because his mother had died, my father, as the one processing the paperwork, put my grandmother down as his mother,” she said. “And so I am illegal in this country. My parents are illegal here in this country.”
Born in Laos and raised in Wisconsin, Her arrived in the U.S. as a refugee at the age of four.
Her campaign biography emphasizes her family’s hard work and pursuit of the American dream, noting her father’s employment at a paper factory and her mother’s role as a teacher’s aide.
Academically accomplished, she holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Northeastern University and is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of St. Thomas.
However, Minnesota law requires all state legislators to be U.S. citizens, raising questions about whether Her’s current status disqualifies her from holding elected office.
Legal experts have noted that if she is living in the country without lawful status, she could face deportation under federal immigration laws.
Furthermore, if she has declared citizenship on official documents such as voter registration or campaign filings, additional legal issues related to misrepresentation may arise, according to Trending Politics.
This revelation emerges amid intensified immigration enforcement efforts across the country.
Recently, ICE conducted major raids in several cities, including Los Angeles, where over 100 individuals were arrested.
The enforcement actions sparked protests and unrest, leading to the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops authorized by President Donald Trump despite opposition from Democratic state leaders such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The political environment surrounding immigration has become increasingly charged, with nationwide deportations exceeding 139,000 so far this year.
In this context, a sitting state lawmaker admitting to an unlawful presence in the U.S. has drawn significant attention and criticism, TP highlights.
Critics argue that allowing a non-citizen to serve in the legislature undermines the rule of law and public confidence in government institutions.
Meanwhile, no official response from Her or her office has been reported regarding the admission or potential investigations.
The Minnesota House has yet to announce any formal action or inquiry into the matter.
The situation is likely to attract further scrutiny as legal authorities, lawmakers and constituents assess the implications for both state and federal law.
Rep. Her’s admission brings into sharp focus the complicated relationship between immigration status and eligibility for public office, a debate likely to intensify as immigration remains a key issue in American politics.
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