Washington, DC – Yesterday, President Trump addressed members of Congress, doubling down on the harm that he and his administration has committed against Americans, including the mass deportation of our family members; eliminating diversity, equity, inclusion, and access programs that have elevated Southeast Asians, women, and veterans in all areas of work; and ending important advisory committees, including the Census 2030 Advisory Committee and Census National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic, and Other Populations. Quyên Đinh, SEARAC Executive Director, responds to the address below:
“The actions of the Trump Administration over the last 43 days are unconstitutional, often illegal, outright attacks on communities of color, immigrants and refugees, women, and LGBTQIA+ communities. From cruel and unjust immigration enforcement to rollbacks of civil rights protections, this administration has weaponized its power to sow fear, division, and harm among the very people who make up the backbone of this country.
Southeast Asian Americans have been in the United States for 50 years, and we have seen firsthand how government oppression destroys lives. The President’s rhetoric and lies are not just dangerous, they are rooted in the same nationalist ideology and language that forced our people to flee and trapped those who were left behind in reeducation camps. This administration and its policies are threats to our democracy and the values we hold dear. We refuse to stand idly by as history repeats itself.
Congress can help prevent harm. With the federal funding deadline looming, Congress must decide whether to uphold democratic values or allow these attacks on our rights to continue unchecked. Every dollar spent to detain and deport our families is a choice to support violence. Unconscionable immigration raids and inhumane, prolonged detentions can only happen if Congress chooses to fund that violence. Likewise, Congress must act now to protect diversity, equity, inclusion, and access from being completely eliminated. Silence is complicity. Our leaders must use their power and influence to express the values of progress and diversity — not lie in wait or comply with the Trump Administration’s threats as our democracy is dismantled piece by piece. We must fight for the future of our children so they can learn the full truth of our history and live in a country that values diversity and justice.
We join the growing American chorus in calling on all of Congress to resist this administration’s attempts to further deport our families; take away the educational opportunities of our children; and push historically disenfranchised communities further into the margins of society.
We refuse to stand by as an administration enacts policies rooted in nationalism, fear, and control. Not now, not ever.
Now is the time for Congress to take action and use all available means to fight back against Trump’s agenda and the rapid expansion of Project 2025. SEARAC stands in unwavering solidarity with all marginalized communities under attack, and we will continue to fight for a future where our families can live free from fear, where truth triumphs over lies, and where our country truly upholds its promise of liberty and justice for all.”
Media contact: Elaine Sanchez Wilson, elaine@searac.org
