At midnight on Sept. 30, 2025, the health, safety, and wellbeing of communities across America were put at risk as Congress and the White House failed to meet their responsibility to keep the federal government running.
This government shutdown deepens instability for countless individuals and families, including Southeast Asian American communities who already face systemic barriers to health care and economic security. It comes with very real consequences: children may be cut off from vital programs, parents may lose their jobs, organizations providing critical services may be forced to close their doors. And while families are forced to bear these hardships, billions of taxpayer dollars remain earmarked for funding to a deportation machine that tears communities apart instead of keeping them whole.
When our elected leaders choose political gridlock, it is the people who carry the burden.
SEARAC is committed to centering our communities over partisan finger-pointing. As we call on Congress to protect the best interests of the people they serve, we want to hear from you. We invite you to fill out this Google form to answer the following questions:
- How has the government shutdown impacted you, your families, and your communities?
- What questions do you have about the shutdown?
Even in this moment of uncertainty, SEARAC will continue to uplift our communities, amplify your voices, and ensure your stories are heard. While we cannot predict what lies ahead, we can affirm this: we will not stop advocating for a future where every family is safe, supported, and able to thrive.