US issues first green card to a North Korean defector

For the first time, the United States has granted a North Korean defector permanent residence status.

She is a female in her late 30s, currently living in Virginia, who arrived in the United States in May 2006 via Thailand, one of the first North Korean defectors to enter the United States.

“She is the first to receive a green card since the United States opened its doors to North Korean refugees after the North Korean Human Rights Act was legislated in October 2004,” said her lawyer. “It will be the starting point for North Korean defectors in the United States to live happy lives and give hope to other defectors.”

As of yesterday, 63 former North Koreans have entered the United States. Some of them have already applied for green cards. But the law allowing for refugee status expires at the end of this month.

[JoongAng Ilbo]