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
This year marks 50 years of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States. Our families crossed mountains and seas in search of refuge, safety, belonging, and freedom. As harmful legislation threatens immigrant and refugee communities across the country, we honor the dreams of our ancestors. We remember the resilience that brought us here and hold onto hope for a brighter tomorrow.
In last month’s staff blog, SEARAC Deputy Director Kham S. Moua reminds us of the power of hope: "Hope carried our families across rivers and oceans. It allowed them to rebuild their lives despite the impossibility of their situations. Hope is what fuels our fight for justice today. "
Read Kham`s full blog at the link in our bio!
Feb 19
This year marks 50 years of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States. Our families crossed mountains and seas in search of refuge, safety, belonging, and freedom. As harmful legislation threatens immigrant and refugee communities across the country, we honor the dreams of our ancestors. We remember the resilience that brought us here and hold onto hope for a brighter tomorrow.
In last month’s staff blog, SEARAC Deputy Director Kham S. Moua reminds us of the power of hope: "Hope carried our families across rivers and oceans. It allowed them to rebuild their lives despite the impossibility of their situations. Hope is what fuels our fight for justice today. "
Read Kham`s full blog at the link in our bio!
In Part 3 of SEARAC’s series on the new administration`s first 100 days, we are explaining Congress` anti-immigrant bills. Since the 119th Congress began its session on Jan 3, it has already advanced bills that will harm immigrant and refugee communities. We strongly condemn this harmful legislation and urge policymakers to protect, not punish, the communities that have contributed so much to this country.
Stay informed by signing up for our email list at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/SEARACnews
Feb 18
In Part 3 of SEARAC’s series on the new administration`s first 100 days, we are explaining Congress` anti-immigrant bills. Since the 119th Congress began its session on Jan 3, it has already advanced bills that will harm immigrant and refugee communities. We strongly condemn this harmful legislation and urge policymakers to protect, not punish, the communities that have contributed so much to this country.
Stay informed by signing up for our email list at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/SEARACnews
Our communities thrive when everyone feels that they truly belong. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs are about respect, belonging, and opportunity for all. Recent political attacks on these programs aim to divide us, but we know these initiatives make our communities stronger.
In Part 2 of SEARAC’s series on Trump’s first 100 days, we’re breaking down executive orders that try to weaken diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. Stay informed by signing up for our email list at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/SEARACnews
Feb 13
Our communities thrive when everyone feels that they truly belong. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs are about respect, belonging, and opportunity for all. Recent political attacks on these programs aim to divide us, but we know these initiatives make our communities stronger.
In Part 2 of SEARAC’s series on Trump’s first 100 days, we’re breaking down executive orders that try to weaken diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. Stay informed by signing up for our email list at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/SEARACnews
2025 marks 50 years of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States! As we honor this legacy, we are excited to welcome our next cohort to the nation’s capital this June for SEARAC’s Leadership and Advocacy Training (LAT) program.
Together, we will build power and cultivate leadership on issues affecting Southeast Asian American (SEAA) communities. Join us in commemorating 50 years of immigrant and refugee resilience, community advocacy, and power-building. Apply to LAT today at bit.ly/applyforLAT2025 or at the link in our bio!
Feb 11
2025 marks 50 years of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States! As we honor this legacy, we are excited to welcome our next cohort to the nation’s capital this June for SEARAC’s Leadership and Advocacy Training (LAT) program.
Together, we will build power and cultivate leadership on issues affecting Southeast Asian American (SEAA) communities. Join us in commemorating 50 years of immigrant and refugee resilience, community advocacy, and power-building. Apply to LAT today at bit.ly/applyforLAT2025 or at the link in our bio!
Instead of keeping families together, protecting diversity, and ensuring safety for all, the new administration is pushing harmful policies that hurt our communities. We must stay informed and take action.
Follow SEARAC’s three-part series breaking down the policies from Trump’s first 100 days in office.
In Part 1, we’re unpacking Trump`s executive orders that massively expand immigrant detention and deportation. SEARAC strongly opposes these policies and will continue fighting to protect our communities. Stay informed by signing up for our email list at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/SEARACnews
Feb 10
Instead of keeping families together, protecting diversity, and ensuring safety for all, the new administration is pushing harmful policies that hurt our communities. We must stay informed and take action.
Follow SEARAC’s three-part series breaking down the policies from Trump’s first 100 days in office.
In Part 1, we’re unpacking Trump`s executive orders that massively expand immigrant detention and deportation. SEARAC strongly opposes these policies and will continue fighting to protect our communities. Stay informed by signing up for our email list at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/SEARACnews