MN Rep. Kaohly Vang Her Says She’s ‘Illegal’ During Speech On House Floor

ST. PAUL, MN — A Minnesota lawmaker’s emotional floor speech is gaining national attention after she said that her family entered the United States "illegally."

Under Minnesota law, only U.S. citizens are eligible to hold state elected office, including seats in the Legislature.

"I am illegal in this country," said Rep. Kaohly Vang Her during Monday’s debate on House File 1, a bill that would end MinnesotaCare coverage for adults in the country illegally.

"My family broke the law to come here. I never knew that. I just learned that," she said. "My family was just smarter in how we illegally came here."

Her, a Democrat and reportedly a naturalized U.S. citizen, delivered the remarks through tears and urged her Republican colleagues to consider her personal story when casting their votes.

The bill to repeal MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented immigrants later passed the Republican-controlled House on Monday and was sent to the state Senate.

Her's comments quickly went viral on social media and sparked a wave of reactions.

According to her campaign biography, Her was born in Laos and came to the U.S. as a refugee at age 4.

Her family settled in Appleton, Wisconsin. She later earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Northeastern University and is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of St. Thomas.

Her has long been a vocal advocate for immigrant and refugee communities. Monday’s speech marked the first time she publicly stated that her family entered the U.S. without legal authorization.

Patch has reached out to Rep. Her’s office for further comment.