Sacramento, CA – SEARAC celebrates the passage of California Senate Concurrent Resolution 96 (SCR 96), introduced by state Sen. Dr. Aisha Wahab (D–Silicon Valley), which honors 50 years since the mass resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees to the United States. The resolution uplifts the resilience, contributions, and leadership of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) communities and calls for a continued commitment to advancing equity through policies that promote disaggregated data, language access, health equity, education, and intergenerational healing.
“Fifty years after our families arrived in this country seeking safety and new beginnings, this resolution stands as a powerful acknowledgment of our community’s enduring strength and impact,” said Thuy Do, Senior California Program Manager at SEARAC. “We are deeply grateful to Sen. Wahab and her co-sponsors for championing this effort, and to our partners across California who lent their voices and support to make this resolution possible. This collective achievement reflects the power of our shared commitment to equity, visibility, and justice for Southeast Asian American communities.”
This year’s milestone offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal as SEAA communities across the country commemorate their shared histories and envision a collective future rooted in healing and belonging.
“As we mark this 50th anniversary, we honor our parents, grandparents, and elders whose courage gave future generations the chance to thrive,” said Quyên Đinh, Executive Director of SEARAC. “Their sacrifices laid the foundation for generations of leaders and advocates who continue to build toward a more equitable and inclusive California, including partners from the Southeast Asian American Collaborative who envisioned this resolution with us. We thank Sen. Wahab and all those who helped bring SCR 96 to life for standing with our communities in this historic moment.”
To mark the resolution’s passage, SEARAC joined Alicia Lawrence, Communications Director for state Sen. Dr. Aisha Wahab’s office, and community partners for a celebration and public recognition event at the California State Capitol – featuring remarks from SEAA community leaders, elders, and policymakers.
State Sen. Dr. Aisha Wahab shared, “Southeast Asian communities have made incredible contributions to California and our nation, enriching our culture, economy, and collective story. SCR 96 celebrates their strength, honors their journey, and reinforces our shared responsibility to ensure every immigrant has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
Media contact: Elaine Sanchez Wilson | elaine@searac.org