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
Repost from @asiancinevision 🌊 Join #AAIFF49 for the NYC Premiere of SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNEYS, preceded by the short film SEA SONG.
SEA SONG / Sea Song follows a group of South Vietnamese men at their 17th OCS naval officer reunion. For over 30 years they’ve convened every two years in a different city across the US. Now, in their 70s and 80s, age and declining health threatens the future of their tradition. The film is a reflection on survival, mortality, and enduring friendship. 🗣️ Directed by An-Phuong Ly @di.di.an_
SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNEYS @seaajourneys_doc / Presented with five chapters, SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNEYS follows different refugee communities across the US. Altogether, this feature sheds light on Southeast Asian voices in America, layering their work with identity and community. Directed by Quyên Nguyen-Le (AAIFF47 Alumni, “Nobuko Miyamoto: A Song in Movement”) @smellydurianface, Joua Lee Grande @joualeelens, Oanh-Nhi Nguyen
📅 August 7 @ 6:00 PM
📍Village East by Angelika
🎟️ Get your passes and tickets today — link in bio!
Jul 22
Last week, SEARAC hosted our three-day Leadership and Advocacy Training program to empower rising Southeast Asian American advocates to uplift key issues impacting their communities. Prior to their legislative visits, our leaders had the opportunity to join a congressional roundtable focused on education access and the educational experiences of SEAA students. Thank you to members of the @officialcapac, including @repgracemeng, Chair of CAPAC and @repderektran, Executive Board Member of CAPAC; and Ronny Lau, Associate Director of Government Relations at @neatoday for your insights, stories, and guidance shared with our LAT advocates.
Repost from @officialcapac Every student deserves access to an affordable, high-quality education.
Chair @repgracemeng joined @searac @repderektran for a roundtable discussion on how we can put higher education in reach for Southeast Asian youth and other underrepresented communities.
Jul 21
Today, our leaders made their mark on Capitol Hill and met with congressional offices to uplift key issues like data disaggregation in education, access to quality healthcare, and the protection of family immigration.
We’re deeply grateful to our partners, sponsors, and the congressional offices who welcomed our SEARAC Leadership and Advocacy Training participants. And to our inspiring cohort: thank you for carrying forward the legacy of Southeast Asian American advocacy and for sharing your gifts with us!
Jul 17
We’ve officially wrapped up Day 2 of SEARAC’s LAT program! Today was a powerful journey through reflection as participants looked back at the history of our Southeast Asian American community, recognizing where we stand today, and envisioning the future we’re working toward.
Our communications team led a workshop on how to create your narrative, followed by a dynamic Advocacy Panel with our incredible partners. We closed out our day with music, movement, and dancing!
Tomorrow, our participants will take their voices to Capitol Hill, meeting with legislators to advocate for policies that directly impact Southeast Asian American communities. We couldn’t be more proud of the strength, courage, and collective power they’ve built. #LAT2026
Jul 16
SEARAC LAT Day 1 ✅
Today marked the kickoff of #LAT2026! We welcomed our incredible cohort of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) advocates and allies to Washington, DC for a journey rooted in our community`s history and refugee resilience.
Participants reflected on their "why" for joining this 3-day training, then dove into their issue tracks. We unpacked critical issues facing SEAA communities today, including the fight to count AANHPI communities in education data through the All Students Count Act. Join us in the fight for data that truly reflects the SEAA experience. Add your voice at bit.ly/ASCAct2026 or at the link in our bio.
Follow along @SEARAC all week for more from #LAT2026!
Jul 15
“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
