Minnesota state representative admits she is in the US illegally during legislative debate

| Published June 11, 2025

Minnesota Lawmaker’s Admission During Health Care Debate Draws National Attention

In a moment that quickly captured national headlines, Minnesota State Representative Kaohly Vang Her made a striking remark during a legislative session that sparked widespread discussion across the political spectrum. During a debate over a bill that would expand state-funded health care benefits to undocumented immigrants, Her referenced her own past — stating, “I did come to this country illegally.”

The comment was made on the House floor during deliberations surrounding Minnesota’s proposed legislation to allow undocumented immigrants to access MinnesotaCare, a publicly subsidized health insurance program. As the chamber debated the controversial bill, Rep. Her — a Democrat representing Saint Paul — addressed her colleagues in a personal and emotional speech.

Her, who was born in Laos and immigrated to the United States as a child, spoke about her family’s journey and the broader immigrant experience. Her statement about having come to the U.S. illegally prompted swift reactions from both supporters and critics. The clip of her remarks quickly circulated online and was picked up by major media outlets, becoming a focal point in discussions about immigration policy and lawmakers’ personal histories.

Following the attention, Her clarified her comments, saying they had been “misinterpreted.” She emphasized that her family had arrived in the United States through the refugee resettlement process. According to her office, the representative did not intend to claim that she had broken immigration law, but rather to express solidarity with the immigrant community and their struggles.

Despite the clarification, the brief moment in the House chamber became a political flashpoint, cited by opponents of the MinnesotaCare expansion as a reason for heightened scrutiny of the bill and broader immigration-related policies in the state. Her’s office later released a statement explaining that she had been referencing the uncertain and undocumented circumstances of refugee arrivals, which are sometimes misunderstood or mischaracterized in public discourse.

The MinnesotaCare expansion itself remained under heated debate, with lawmakers weighing its costs, eligibility, and long-term effects on the health care system. Her’s personal testimony — regardless of the controversy it sparked — was part of a larger narrative presented by Democratic legislators aiming to expand services to marginalized groups, including undocumented individuals.

As the legislative session progressed, Her continued to participate in the debate, reiterating her commitment to equitable health care access for all Minnesota residents. Meanwhile, critics and political opponents raised questions about immigration enforcement, residency status of elected officials, and the appropriateness of personal anecdotes in shaping public policy.

Although Her is reportedly a naturalized citizen, making her eligible to hold office in Minnesota, the Democrat’s remarks have sparked a wave of outrage online

Implications of Rep. Kaohly Vang Her’s Statement

1. Political Ramifications for the Legislator
Rep. Her’s remarks triggered intense scrutiny, particularly from conservative lawmakers and commentators. Although she later clarified her status as a legal refugee, the initial interpretation of her statement — suggesting she may have entered the U.S. illegally — led to questions about the eligibility and transparency of public officials. Some opponents demanded further clarification or even legal review, which could impact Her’s political future, reputation, and influence in state politics.

2. Renewed Debate Over Immigration Policy
The incident amplified national debate around immigration policy, especially concerning the language used to describe immigration status. Her’s personal story reignited discussions about the refugee resettlement process, the distinction between “illegal” and “undocumented,” and the broader narrative surrounding immigrants’ contributions and challenges. It also highlighted how one lawmaker’s personal history can become emblematic of broader immigration tensions.

3. Fuel for Partisan Division
The political reaction to Her’s comment split sharply along party lines. Republicans cited the statement as evidence of misplaced priorities or even potential legal concerns, while Democrats defended Her and pointed to her comments as a humanizing element in a broader policy debate. This further underscored the polarization around immigration and health care issues, especially in battleground states like Minnesota.

4. Impact on MinnesotaCare Expansion Debate
Her’s statement, and the reaction to it, became entwined with the fate of the MinnesotaCare expansion bill. Opponents used it as a rallying point to question the bill’s legitimacy, costs, and scope. Supporters, meanwhile, framed it as part of a broader moral and humanitarian argument. As a result, the policy debate may now be seen not only through a legislative lens but also through one shaped by personal narratives and public perception.

5. Media Framing and Narrative Control
The way different outlets reported Her’s statement — from straightforward to accusatory — showcased the power of media framing in shaping public understanding. The rapid circulation of a single quote, often without full context, demonstrated how quickly a comment can become a national flashpoint. It also raised questions about how politicians navigate language when discussing sensitive issues like immigration and identity.

6. Questions About Identity and Representation
Her’s speech, intended to highlight the challenges faced by immigrant communities, also opened broader conversations about the identities of elected officials. Her experience as a Hmong-American refugee is rare among U.S. lawmakers and offers a unique perspective on legislation impacting immigrant communities. The controversy may prompt more discussion about who gets to represent vulnerable populations and how personal experience informs policy advocacy.

Overall Takeaway:

The controversy surrounding Rep. Kaohly Vang Her’s statement reflects the deep intersection between personal narrative and public policy in American politics. A single remark — whether misinterpreted or poorly phrased — can quickly evolve into a national flashpoint, especially when it touches on divisive issues like immigration, health care, and representation. The incident underscores how political discourse is increasingly shaped by identity, media framing, and partisanship, often overshadowing the substance of the policy at hand. Ultimately, it highlights the delicate balance lawmakers must maintain when sharing personal experiences in emotionally charged legislative debates.

SOURCES: TOWNHALL – Minnesota Rep. Who Claimed to Be an Illegal Alien Is Backtracking Her Comments

FOX NEWS – Minnesota state representative admits she is in the US illegally during legislative debate

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

DAILYMAIL ONLINE – Democrat state rep admits she’s in the country ‘illegally’ in shocking floor confession