The census is the largest publicly available dataset with SEAA data. It directly influences political representation and funding for our communities.
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Hmong Leaders Meet with Census Director on Hmong Misclassification
On Thursday, May 23, 16 Hmong and Asian American advocates met with Director Robert L. Santos of the US Census Bureau to discuss the need to reclassify the Hmong as Southeast Asian. The meeting comes as a result of a letter and petition with over 1,700 signatures to Director Santos asking the Bureau to address the issue and meet with community leaders.
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“We talk about how it is so important for us as a group of people to participate in the census, so we show up in the data. Once that data comes out, we will have information about ourselves. Right now, we don’t know how many of us live in the Bay Area, or even the city of Richmond.”
Director, Asian Senior/Adult Daycare Center
“I want to help Cambodians and other minorities be counted in the 2020 Census. We are a minority of a minority group. We are Asians, but we’re also Cambodians. There are only 260,000 of us in the United States according to the 2010 Census, so having everyone counted is important.”
Technical engineer
“It’s vital for us to know each other as a community, locally and nationally. Where are we, how many of us are there, and how can we use our collective numbers to be changemakers? These are questions I find myself asking when I’m planning my dance classes or looking out to a crowd during a performance.”
Director, Cambodian American Girls Empowering
“I’m the son, nephew, and grandson of Vietnamese refugees who benefited from ESL education and other social programs, and I feel like we’ve come full circle now that I’m a first-generation college graduate and ESL teacher. I know that the type of services my school district and I are able to provide relies on data from the Census, so it is so important that educators encourage their community members to complete it.”
ESL Teacher
“When individuals are invisible in data, they remain invisible in policy conversations. To understand how groups within the AAPI community fare in higher education and the specific challenges each face, we must disaggregate data along racial and ethnic lines. Doing so will reveal where inequities exist and, in turn, unlock the full power of postsecondary education to spur social mobility, economic health, and a stronger society.”
Institute for Higher Education Policy
“Without data disaggregation, this system makes students like me invisible, our needs are downplayed, and resources aren’t offered. Data disaggregation allows for students like me to be seen, to get the resources we need, and to reach our fullest potential.”
Minnesota student
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Latest related posts
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
