In the aftermath of war and genocide in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, many SEAAs were separated in their escape to safety. Our immigration system must ensure the timely and humane reunification of families.
Key resource:

How family-based immigration benefits Southeast Asian Americans: Standing up for our families and our rights — A memo that discusses the current backlog for immigration visas and the ramifications of ending family-based sponsorship.
Featured story
Keep Our Families Whole – SEARAC Applauds Reintroduction of the Reuniting Families Act
The RFA would streamline the United States’ family immigration system – which has not been updated in over 20 years – to ensure the timely and humane reunification of immigrant and refugee families. The bill would eliminate bureaucratic red tape: clearing visa backlogs in the family and employment immigration systems, as well as providing an opportunity for relief for immigrants in deportation proceedings to remain with their families.
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“She’s all I think about. I just want my companion to be with me here, not just to help as a caregiver to my elderly father, but so we can also finally save some money and start a family, which is all I ever wanted. The emotional stress, the financial hardship, the physical toll it’s taken on both of us — it’s all really hard to manage.”
Solar installer, Minnesota
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“The Reuniting Families Act would make our family reunification system more humane by ensuring that our families do not have to wait decades to be together and by providing greater opportunities for relief for those currently in deportation proceedings.”
Executive Director, SEARAC
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Phun H, SEARAC Communications Manager, penned a staff blog reflecting on what a screening of @seaajourneys_doc at @uncasiacenter taught her about the fighting spirit of Southeast Asian American communities. Read her full blog at the link in our bio.
May 6
May is AANHPI Heritage Month, and SEARAC celebrates and honors our vibrant Southeast Asian American community. We remember our ancestors who fled war and genocide, rebuilt their lives in the United States, and planted seeds for a more just future. As the descendants of refugees, we carry their dreams forward. This month, we uplift the voices of communities from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam building power for generations to come.
This AANHPI Heritage Month, take action with SEARAC and help grow our movement: bit.ly/SEAA50to250
Illustration credit to the talented @nataliepbui.
May 5
SEARAC is thrilled to once again be participating in Give in May, an annual fundraiser that coincides with Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, uplifting the stories and achievements of AANHPI communities around the world.
Celebrate heritage month with us and consider supporting our work by donating today! Give today: bit.ly/SEARAC-GiveInMay or at the link in our bio!
May 1
In April 1975, 1.2 million refugees from Southeast Asia began rebuilding their lives in the United States. Together we remember over 50 years of resilience, contribution, and community that deserve to be recognized. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we are calling on Congress to pass the national resolution recognizing the 50th commemoration of Southeast Asian American refugee resettlement.
You can help make that happen. Share your story. If you or your family have ever felt unseen, your voice belongs in this moment. SEARAC wants to hear from you.
Because the Southeast Asian American story is the American story.
Take action today → bit.ly/SEAA50to250
#SEAA50 #SEAAResolution
Apr 30
Thank you for joining the kickoff of our Rising Up webinar series! Today`s virtual event was about the importance of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) increasing Southeast Asian American educational attainment, recent threats to the program, and our proposed solutions.
Join us tomorrow for part 2 of the series where SEARAC will moderate a discussion by Southeast Asian American students about their educational experiences. RSVP today: bit.ly/RisingUpPt2
Apr 28