Access to universal care through Medi-Cal

People exercising

All Californians should access necessary health care regardless of their immigration status or where they were born.

Key resources:

SEARAC staff and our California partners pose together at the Right to Heal event.

Featured story

Mee's family photo

“Everyday I woke up crying because I gave birth to him but couldn’t do anything about his medical bills. I cried every time I looked at the medical bills because I couldn’t afford them. I didn’t even want to take my son into the hospital if it was going to be that expensive.”

as featured in our video “A Mother’s Love”
Person writing

“Before the Medicaid expansion, I was without health insurance for a long time and was only able to access the free health clinics in the East Bay to address this recurring stomach issue that I had. I would be in immense pain. With the Medicaid expansion, I have been able to see a doctor and receive regular check-ups regarding my illness. I know that having Medi-Cal has prolonged my lifespan.”

Southeast Asian Americans Speak Out to Protect the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion report
A group of people form a circle and look down at a camera

People Power in Action

Person holds sign saying My Mental Health Matters

Support for culturally competent mental health care

More research, community outreach, language and access support, diverse providers, and funding are needed on SEAA health and mental health.

Person ties bracelet around another person, people watch close by

Aging with dignity

The Older Americans Act, which provides important services for older adults, should be well-funded and improved to meet the needs of diverse elders, including SEAA elders.

People hold up signs in support of ACA

Universal health care through the Affordable Care Act

Since its passage in 2010, the ACA has greatly increased access to affordable health care for SEAAs and reduced the number of SEAAs withouth health insurance. We must keep building on these successes.

June is a month of exemplifying intersectionality: SEAA communities are celebrating Pride Month, Immigrant Heritage Month, and World Refugee Day! It's a time to embrace all aspects of our identities and take pride in who we are and where we come from. Thank you to @nataliepbui, SEARAC's first-ever artist-in-residence, for beautifully capturing the joy and vibrancy of our communities through her art. 

This year, Southeast Asian American communities across the country are honoring the 50th commemoration of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement to the United States. June reminds us that there is space for the fullness of who we are to exist. We celebrate the refugee legacy of our Southeast Asian American community and honor those who paved the way for us to celebrate Pride.

#pride #pridemonth #RefugeePride #ImmigrantPride #WorldRefugeeDay #ImmigrantHeritageMonth

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Nearly 1 in 5 Southeast Asian Americans live at or near poverty—and for many, federally funded education programs are the difference between falling behind or moving forward.

Many SEAA students rely on school support systems built for low-income families.

Cutting these funds means SEAA students will lose the resources they need to thrive.
Our children deserve equal chances—not underresourced classrooms. Tell your US senators to vote NO at the link in our bio and/or call (202) 224-3121 #OurRootsOurPower

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Today SEARAC is joining partners across the country to demand the Senate vote NO on the reconciliation bill. Congress is racing to pass a big bad bill that will fund tax cuts for billionaires and supercharge deportations. Tell your US senators to vote NO at bit.ly/SEAApower #OurRootsOurPower

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Right now, SEARAC is on the Hill with our #LAT2025 cohort, demanding the Senate vote NO on the reconciliation bill. Congress is racing to pass a big bad bill that will fund tax cuts for billionaires and supercharge deportations. Join us and tell your US senators to vote NO at the link in our bio and/or call (202) 224-3121. #OurRootsOurPower

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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 panel on Advocacy Communications 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. #LAT2025

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