The Hmong community is an integral part of the Southeast Asian American refugee legacy but has recently been misclassified as ‘East Asian’ rather than ‘Southeast Asian’ by the US Census Bureau. This mistake erases our Hmong community’s identity and conceals the inequities we experience as refugees from Southeast Asia. Hmong voices and stories matter and the US Census Bureau must honor the Hmong community’s self-identification as Southeast Asian Americans.
We’re mobilizing our communities to tell the US Census Bureau that it must correct its mistake.
Take Action
Demand Congress to Align with the Census Bureau’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Fairness
Thank you for joining the kickoff of our Rising Up webinar series! Today`s virtual event was about the importance of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) increasing Southeast Asian American educational attainment, recent threats to the program, and our proposed solutions.
Join us tomorrow for part 2 of the series where SEARAC will moderate a discussion by Southeast Asian American students about their educational experiences. RSVP today: bit.ly/RisingUpPt2
Apr 28
AAPI communities are speaking out—and the message is clear: affordability, healthcare, and economic security can’t wait.
Join us for AAPI Policy Priorities in a #YearofAction as we break down new survey data and what it means for policy action in 2026.
📅 April 29
⏰ 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET
🔗 Register: AAPIData.com/2026priorities
Hear from community leaders on how economic pressures, civil rights concerns, and global instability are shaping AAPI voter priorities—and what comes next.
#AAPI #Policy #EconomicJustice
Apr 27
April 1975 forever changed the lives of families from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam when Saigon fell. This month, we remember the mass displacement, the impossible sacrifices, and the unthinkable decisions families made to survive.
For 50 years, Southeast Asian Americans have shaped our nation`s story and during this 250th year of the United States, we are inspired by their continued fight for justice and commitment to strengthening our democracy. This April, remember: Southeast Asian Americans are part of America`s story.
Apr 24
SEARAC is proud to launch our new “Rising Up” fact sheet and webinar series highlighting the urgent needs of Southeast Asian American students. SEARAC is kicking off the series with two back-to-back releases focusing on Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and student experiences. Learn more at the link in our bio:
Rising Up Webinar Series: Protect AANAPISIs
April 28, 2026 | 1:30–2 pm ET
bit.ly/RisingUpPt1.
Rising Up Webinar Series: Southeast Asian American Student Voices
April 29, 2026 | 3:30–4 pm ET
bit.ly/RisingUpPt2
Apr 23
Today, Quyên Đinh, SEARAC Executive Director, joined US Senator @maziehirono , @repespaillat, @repmarktakano, and education and civil rights advocates at a press conference calling on the Trump Administration to protect and fully fund Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). MSIs have helped millions of students of color, including Southeast Asian Americans, access higher education. It has been essential for low-income and first-generation college students.
Apr 22
“While the Census Bureau has made tremendous progress in making Southeast Asian refugee communities visible in the 2020 Census, misclassifying the Hmong community is a significant step back with major policy, identity, and cultural ramifications.”
SEARAC Executive Director
If she’s not napping, you can often find Phun at a cafe, on a trailhead, or at an airport gate.
Communications Associate
