In the U.S. Legally?

Many of our News 5 viewers have been questioning Lam Luong's U.S. citizenship.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs Border patrol tell us that even though Luong moved to the United States from Vietnam, he had every legal right to be here.
Luong is considered a legal permanent resident.
What that means, is that he was issued what many know as the green card.
It allowed Luong to live and work here permanently.
Since he is is not a U.S.citizen, News 5 also asked Homeland Security how his charges on capital murder affects his status here.
A spokesperson said if convicted, Luong must serve out his sentence in the jurisdiction in which he was punished.
But if a jury finds Luong guilty and the judge only sentences him to only about 30 years behind bars (for example), once he is released, the Department of Homeland Security must send him back to Vietnam.
If that happens, Luong might have a problem.
Vietnam is one of several countries, that does not take back its citizens.
Because of a lot of red tape and privacy issues, we sent your email questions and concerns about Luong's past to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Washington D.C.
Once we get clearance, we'll pass more information on to you.

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