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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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
