Nguyen freed, not yet cleared

Luther alumna Hoa Nguyen (‘03) was released after nearly nine weeks in the custody of International Customs Enforcement while awaiting a possible deportation to her homeland of Vietnam.

Nguyen, who was teaching at the University of Minnesota, was incarcerated in August after she failed to show up for a court date to discuss a change in her student visa status.

Dan Hanson, Nguyen’s husband, was interviewed by ICE officials regarding the couple’s marital status Oct. 20 and was informed that evening that Nguyen would be released under supervision after her mandatory marriage interview Oct. 21.

While Nguyen’s legal situation remains unresolved, her release comes as a major step in her journey toward legitimate citizenship.

Nguyen will likely have to return to Vietnam long enough to adjust her visa. Hanson credits the efforts of those supporting the FreeHoa movement as the cause for the sudden turn-around in Nguyen’s favor.

“Hoa would not be free without your help!” Hanson said on
freehoa.org.