Washington, DC – Today, SEARAC and Southeast Asian Freedom Network (SEAFN) celebrated the forthcoming reintroduction of the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act (SEADRA) during a special event featuring appearances from Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA, 28) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7). SEADRA represents a critical step toward protecting refugee families at a time of escalating attacks on our community by ICE and an increase in deportations nationwide. Along with Reps. Chu and Jayapal, the bill is co-led by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA, 18) and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA, 7).
For decades, Southeast Asian refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam have lived under the constant threat of deportation. After being resettled by the US government in the aftermath of war, genocide, and displacement, more than 15,000 Southeast Asian community members have final orders of removal. These deportation orders place families at risk of separation and communities in a state of ongoing generational trauma.
SEADRA would end deportation for Southeast Asians and offers a humane, common-sense solution rooted in United States accountability, family unity, and restorative justice. The bill would:
- End deportations of Southeast Asian refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam who arrived in the United States by 2008;
- Provide permanent work authorization for Southeast Asians with final orders of removal, with a five-year renewal period;
- Replace harmful ICE check-in practices by ending in-person check-ins and establishing five-year virtual check-ins for individuals;
- Allow deported Southeast Asian refugees to return home to the United States and reunite with their families; and
- Restore due process by allowing Southeast Asian refugees still in the United States to fight their deportation orders.
At a time when refugee and immigrant communities are being targeted and dehumanized by our government, SEADRA affirms a simple truth: Southeast Asian Americans deserve to live in safety, stability, and dignity with their families. Our communities continue to fight and resist in the face of violent and inhumane enforcement tactics, including the recent wave of aggressive ICE operations in Minnesota that have sparked deadly shootings by federal agents, raids on neighborhoods, and widespread fear and protest. Passing this bill is an essential step toward protecting our communities from the violence we’re seeing today and repairing the harm caused by decades of unjust deportation policies.
“SEADRA is more than policy; it’s a promise of healing, hope, and a future where Southeast Asian families are no longer torn apart. We thank Reps. Judy Chu, Pramila Jayapal, Zoe Lofgren, and Ayanna Pressley for reintroducing this critical legislation and for supporting our Southeast Asian American refugee communities, who have endured decades of trauma and separation. SEADRA recognizes the full lives that people have built here and refuses to erase them,” said Quyên Đinh, Executive Director of SEARAC.
“The SEADRA bill would end deportation for Southeast Asians as we know it. In this moment when we’re told to turn against one another, we must choose a different path: there is enough for everyone and no one is disposable. Our communities are already rich with knowledge, wisdom, and care. The SEADRA bill is a living testament to that collective power — born from 25 years of organizing for a more just future,” said Chhaya Chhoum, Co-Executive Director of SEAFN.
TAKE ACTION: Urge your US Representative to cosponsor SEADRA!
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