The Hmong community is an integral part of the Southeast Asian American refugee legacy but has recently been misclassified as ‘East Asian’ rather than ‘Southeast Asian’ by the US Census Bureau. This mistake erases our Hmong community’s identity and conceals the inequities we experience as refugees from Southeast Asia. Hmong voices and stories matter and the US Census Bureau must honor the Hmong community’s self-identification as Southeast Asian Americans.
We’re mobilizing our communities to tell the US Census Bureau that it must correct its mistake.
Take Action
Demand Congress to Align with the Census Bureau’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Fairness
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
Jun 26
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
Jun 26
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
Jun 26
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
Jun 25
SEARAC LAT Day 1 ✅
Today marked the exciting kickoff of SEARAC’s #LAT2025 program! We welcomed our incredible cohort as we began a powerful journey honoring Southeast Asian American history and the resilience of our refugee communities.
Participants took time to reflect on their personal purpose that brings them to this 3-day advocacy training. They then broke out into issue tracks focused on health, immigration, and education policy. Led by SEARAC staff, board members, and facilitators, these sessions offered a deep dive into how these critical issues affect Southeast Asian American communities today.
Follow along @SEARAC for more updates throughout #LAT2025!
Jun 24
“While the Census Bureau has made tremendous progress in making Southeast Asian refugee communities visible in the 2020 Census, misclassifying the Hmong community is a significant step back with major policy, identity, and cultural ramifications.”
SEARAC Executive Director
If she’s not napping, you can often find Phun at a cafe, on a trailhead, or at an airport gate.
Communications Associate
