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
Today, SEARAC proudly launches Rising Up, a new report on the state of education for Southeast Asian American students. Key findings show that while progress is real, federal threats put hard-won gains at risk.
For 50 years, we have fought to be seen in schools; now is the time to protect that progress.
Read the report at the link in our bio.
Cover photo courtesy of ARISE, Ngan Nguyen, and her brother, Kelvin Khiem Nguyen.
Mar 3
SEARAC`s February newsletter is now live! Check out national and California policy updates from the SEARAC team: searac.org/news/2026-news-in-review/
Feb 27
Last night, President Trump lied to the American people. He spun an illusion of America where communities are safe from violence, healthcare costs are the lowest they’ve been, and children have all the supports they need to learn. Quyên Đinh, SEARAC Executive Director, shared, "Our communities are unveiling the truth of this Administration’s cruelty. Our strength has always come from collective action, from generations standing together and demanding better. Despite the President’s lies last night, we know that progress, justice, and truth will ultimately prevail."
Read the full statement at the link in our bio.
Feb 25
The Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act #SEADRA will prevent deportations of Southeast Asian refugees, ensure access to work permits, and end ICE check ins. Southeast Asian Americans deserve safety, dignity, and a chance to thrive. Tell Congress to support #SEADRA and endorse it today: linktr.ee/searac.
Feb 24
With families at risk today, we choose action and hope. Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act #SEADRA would protect Southeast Asian refugees and immigrants, keep families together, and restore due process. The time to pass SEADRA is now. Join us in standing with our communities against unjust detention and deportation and endorse SEADRA today: linktr.ee/searac.
Feb 23
“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
