In the aftermath of war and genocide in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, many SEAAs were separated in their escape to safety. Our immigration system must ensure the timely and humane reunification of families.
Key resource:
How family-based immigration benefits Southeast Asian Americans: Standing up for our families and our rights — A memo that discusses the current backlog for immigration visas and the ramifications of ending family-based sponsorship.
Featured story
Keep Our Families Whole – SEARAC Applauds Reintroduction of the Reuniting Families Act
The RFA would streamline the United States’ family immigration system – which has not been updated in over 20 years – to ensure the timely and humane reunification of immigrant and refugee families. The bill would eliminate bureaucratic red tape: clearing visa backlogs in the family and employment immigration systems, as well as providing an opportunity for relief for immigrants in deportation proceedings to remain with their families.
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“She’s all I think about. I just want my companion to be with me here, not just to help as a caregiver to my elderly father, but so we can also finally save some money and start a family, which is all I ever wanted. The emotional stress, the financial hardship, the physical toll it’s taken on both of us — it’s all really hard to manage.”
Solar installer, Minnesota
“The Reuniting Families Act would make our family reunification system more humane by ensuring that our families do not have to wait decades to be together and by providing greater opportunities for relief for those currently in deportation proceedings.”
Executive Director, SEARAC
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SEARAC is extremely concerned by the Office of Management and Budget’s decision to delay the implementation of Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15) by another year. At a time when Southeast Asian American communities continue to navigate deep inequities, any delay in improving data on SEAAs risks keeping our communities invisible to the very systems meant to serve them. Read the full statement at the link in our bio.
Apr 16
This Lao, Khmer, and Thai New Year, Southeast Asian American families across the country will light candles, make offerings, and gather together. But for some families, there is an empty seat because unjust detention and deportation have taken a loved one. Deportations of Cambodians rose 184% from 2024–2025 and deportations of communities from Laos went from zero in 2024 to 300+ in 2025. We must demand real protection for our communities: Urge your Representative to cosponsor the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act (SEADRA) today. Take action at the link in our bio. #SEADRA
Apr 15
រីករាយឆ្នាំថ្មី🌸 ສະບາຍດີປີໃຫມ່ 🌸 Happy Lao and Khmer New Year from SEARAC🌸
Our offices are closed today in observance of Lao and Khmer New Year. To our communities celebrating — we are sending you wishes for a peaceful, happy, and abundant year ahead.
Apr 14
Join us for upcoming screenings of @seaajourneys_doc:
April 17
Screening of Muoz-doic Mixtape at Hollywood Theatre
Included in the Portland Panorama Film Festival (@pdxpanorama)
April 18
Full docuseries screening hosted by Long Beach Public Library (@lbcitylibrary) at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library
April 19
Screening of Threads at UNC Chapel Hill
Hosted by @uncasiacenter Bringing Southeast Asia Home workshop
April 19
Full docuseries screening hosted by the Asian Solidarity Network Symposium (@reed.asn.symposium
April 25
Screening of Teb Chaw (Land) at Zineme 2 (@zeitgeistduluth)
Included in the Zeitgeist Minnesota Film Festival (@minnesotafilmfestival)
Keep track of upcoming screenings and purchase tickets at the link in our bio!
Apr 13
From #immigrant caregivers navigating enforcement fears, to #LGBTQ+ caregivers seeking recognition for chosen family, belonging in #caregiving is deeply shaped by policy. SEARAC is proud to join the Diverse Elders Coalition, @nhcoa , and @sageusa to bring that conversation to @asaging On Aging 2026 through story, data, and practical tools for change. Join us April 20 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Room Courtland. #OnAging2026
Apr 10
