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
This month, SEARAC proudly joined our California partners including @aypalpower, @cerieastbay, @firmunity, @hipcalifornia, and @varoundtable for the #PardonRefugees rally as a part of the Pardon Refugees Coalition, a collective effort to fight for pardons for Southeast Asian refugees and immigrants facing deportation. The day was a reminder of our collective strength and the urgent need to keep families and communities together.
Aug 27
On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, Sarah Burtner reflects on her family’s journey—from her grandmother and five children finding refuge with the sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in 1975, to the enduring truth that women and refugees continue to build futures rooted in dignity, compassion, and courage against harmful ideologies.
Read Sarah and Kathy`s full #OurRootsOurPower blogpost at the link in our bio!
Aug 26
The United States continues to detain and deport Southeast Asians — tearing loved ones away from their families without a second chance. In these turbulent times, we must lean on one another and fight for a future rooted in justice and care.
Manoutham Phommachan and Vanhhatdy Souvannaxa both arrived in the US as children with refugee status after their families fled the violence in Laos following the Vietnam War. Both were unjustly deported, separated from the Rhode Island communities they helped build.
As @thepublicsradio reports, their wives, Cassie Souvannaxa and Tina Phommachan, have found strength in each other as they navigate this painful reality. Their resilience is a reminder that Southeast Asian communities will continue to rise and demand an immigration system grounded in humanity, dignity, and love. Shoutout to @prysmfam, who has been providing deportation defense for Southeast Asian families in Rhode Island through mutual aid, legal support, community organizing, and direct action.
Read the full article at the link in our bio!
Aug 25
August is National Immunization Awareness Month and it`s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones by staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination. Adults 50+ face a higher risk from the virus, and getting vaccinated is a simple way to stay protected. Discover more with @cveepsocial: cveep.org/stayupdated
Aug 22
Southeast Asian American Journeys (@seaajourneys_doc), a docuseries produced alongside @caamedia, honors the journey of Southeast Asian American communities across the United States. Premiering at CAAMFest earlier this year, this series is an act of remembrance, reclamation, and resistance. The behind the scenes conversation with our filmmakers is now live for all to enjoy!
In conversation with fellow filmmaker Van Tran Nguyen, director of THE MOTHERLOAD, Joua Lee Grande (Director, TEB CHAW), @oanhnhi.nguyen (Director, THE MARKET), and @smellydurianface (Director, THREADS) reflect on the years-long journey of building trust within refugee immigrant communities and the care it takes to authentically tell their stories of resettlement. Tune in to the conversation at the link in our bio!
Photo credit: Treehouse Vista Studio
Aug 20
“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
