SEAAs’ refugee history, their invisibility in education data and policy, and systemic racism create barriers to our students’ educational success. Our government must address the disparities that SEAA students experience and invest in their futures.
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SEARAC Responds to President’s FY2025 Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the Biden administration released the Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget. The annual budget proposal details the President’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and, though non-binding, provides…
Learn more“My commitment to educational advocacy is shaped by my personal experience as a low-income, immigrant Southeast Asian student in the U.S public school system and my professional experiences as a teacher and youth facilitator. As a high school student, I experienced firsthand a lack of a culturally inclusive education and witnessed an unequal distribution of resources between my high school and the wealthier, predominantly white high school just across the bridge. Yet, I did not have the language to name what I was experiencing.”
SEARAC LAT 2019 participant
We need to be actively thinking about creative spaces and after-school programs that encourage participation from refugee parents in preparing their children for college. More importantly, we need to address language access. Without the ability to read documents or understand robocalls, parents are further barred from being informed on their child’s educational attainment and success.”
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell
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On Tuesday, SEARAC proudly commemorated a historic 50th year of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement during a virtual event that convened community leaders nationwide in celebration of the recently introduced Southeast Asian American 50th year anniversary resolution. Thank you to @pivotorg, @seafnofficial , @thecambodianfamily, @legaciesofwar for joining us!
The gathering marked both a celebration and a call to action
SEARAC extends gratitude to Rep. Tran and Sen. Hirono for championing this resolution and urges all members of Congress to stand with Southeast Asian American communities as we continue to advance equity, belonging, and opportunity for all.
You can support this historic moment by urging Congressional leadership to adopt this resolution at bit.ly/seaa50resolution
Dec 19
On Tuesday night, President Trump issued a new proclamation expanding the travel ban from 19 countries to 39 countries. Laos is now included in the fully banned country list and was previously listed as a partially banned country, preventing all immigration and select non-immigrant travel from Laos.
Quyên Đinh, Executive Director of SEARAC, responded: “This expanded travel ban continues this Administration’s racist and xenophobic policies and attacks on our communities. These policies do not make our country safer. They deepen trauma, fuel fear, and uphold this Administration’s clear racial and white nationalist ideologies. The expanded travel ban will be devastating for Hmong, Lao, Mien, and other communities from Laos, who have already endured decades of displacement, war, and separation. By shutting the door on family reunification, this Administration is tearing and keeping families apart and denying Southeast Asian Americans the basic dignity of safety, stability, and belonging.”
Get @reshare_app • @asianlawcaucus In December 2025, the Trump administration announced that it has placed a hold on all asylum applications filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and is pausing applications for permanent residence (green card) and other immigration applications filed by individuals from 19 ‘Travel Ban’ Get @reshare_app • @asianlawcaucus In December 2025, the Trump administration announced that it has placed a hold on all asylum applications filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and is pausing applications for permanent residence (green card) and other immigration applications filed by individuals from 19 ‘Travel Ban’ #civilrightscountries.
Our new resource page provides general information explaining the new USCIS policy.
UPDATE: on 12/16 the list of travel ban countries was expanded. Please continue to check our FAQ and resource page for updated guidance on policies regarding asylum application and benefit requests for immigrants from ‘Travel Ban’ countries.
Resource page: bit.ly/uscis-memo-faq
#TravelBan #EntryBan #ImmigrantRights #ImmigrationPolicy #CivilRights
Dec 18
Thank you to our community for joining the national virtual screening of @seaajourneys_doc and for celebrating with SEARAC and @caamedia. This coast-to-coast gathering was a powerful reminder that Southeast Asian American stories are seen, shared, and celebrated across the country. From cities to small towns, Southeast Asian American communities have planted deep roots and our stories, cultural traditions, and histories continue to strengthen our nation.
We are grateful to the heroes of the docuseries for their courage in sharing their voice with us: @montagnardao @seacvillage @seamarket_fdrpark @laos_inthehouse @cambodian.association @iumienoforegon @hafafarmers @uccoflongbeach @vietrainbowoc @qhmer_org
Dec 17
Fifty years ago, over a million Southeast Asian refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam arrived to the United States to seek safety from war, genocide, and violence. This led to the largest resettlement of refugees in American history.
This year is the Southeast Asian American community’s power year, and we are celebrating the introduction of our national resolution recognizing 2025 as the 50th anniversary of the resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees. Join SEARAC and community partners for a community celebration on Dec. 16 from 1-2 pm ET/10-11 am PT and RSVP at bit.ly/seaa50celebration.
Take part in honoring the Southeast Asian American legacy of survival, strength, and courage.
Dec 16
The newly introduced resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement is a historic moment of recognition for Southeast Asian American communities. Reporting from @asamnews shares how this resolution celebrates the contributions made by Southeast Asian Americans, while also advocating for policies that will support refugee and immigrant communities.
Join SEARAC, community leaders, and champions of this resolution tomorrow, Dec. 16 for a community event celebrating this resolution! RSVP for the event at bit.ly/seaa50celebration or at the link in our bio.
Dec 15
