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
“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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Last week, SEARAC convened executive leaders of Southeast Asian American-serving organizations from all across the United States. Over two days, we discussed key issues impacting our local communities and identified opportunities to build our collective power during this 50th year of resettlement — and the next 50 years to come. Thank you to these incredible changemakers for sharing space with us in DC, and special gratitude to @aarp, @rwjfoundation, and Surdna Foundation for participating in our programming.
Apr 16
Last week, SEARAC convened executive leaders of Southeast Asian American-serving organizations from all across the United States. Over two days, we discussed key issues impacting our local communities and identified opportunities to build our collective power during this 50th year of resettlement — and the next 50 years to come. Thank you to these incredible changemakers for sharing space with us in DC, and special gratitude to @aarp, @rwjfoundation, and Surdna Foundation for participating in our programming.
រីករាយឆ្នាំថ្មី🌸 ສະບາຍດີປີໃຫມ່ 🌸 Happy Lao and Khmer New Year from SEARAC🌸
Our offices are closed today in observance of Lao and Khmer New Year. To our communities celebrating — we are sending you wishes for a peaceful, happy, and abundant year ahead.
(Photos courtesy of SEARAC from a 2015 Cambodian New Year celebration in Silver Spring, MD)
Apr 14
រីករាយឆ្នាំថ្មី🌸 ສະບາຍດີປີໃຫມ່ 🌸 Happy Lao and Khmer New Year from SEARAC🌸
Our offices are closed today in observance of Lao and Khmer New Year. To our communities celebrating — we are sending you wishes for a peaceful, happy, and abundant year ahead.
(Photos courtesy of SEARAC from a 2015 Cambodian New Year celebration in Silver Spring, MD)
For the third edition of SEARAC`s First 100 Days newsletter, we are breaking down recent EOs that deny immigrants and refugees access to public services. These EOs also attack Americans who are immigrants and refugees. We also included analyses of these policies` impacts to California, where SEARAC has an office that leads state-level policy advocacy and coalition building. Read the full newsletter at the link in our bio.
Stay tuned for the next edition by signing up for our newsletter at bit.ly/SEARACnews.
Apr 10
For the third edition of SEARAC`s First 100 Days newsletter, we are breaking down recent EOs that deny immigrants and refugees access to public services. These EOs also attack Americans who are immigrants and refugees. We also included analyses of these policies` impacts to California, where SEARAC has an office that leads state-level policy advocacy and coalition building. Read the full newsletter at the link in our bio.
Stay tuned for the next edition by signing up for our newsletter at bit.ly/SEARACnews.
SEARAC`s March newsletter is live. This month`s edition includes of policy updates on immigration and data equity as well as updates from our California team. Read the newsletter at the link in our bio!
Apr 8
SEARAC`s March newsletter is live. This month`s edition includes of policy updates on immigration and data equity as well as updates from our California team. Read the newsletter at the link in our bio!
SEARAC condemns the recent escalation of attacks on immigrant communities and the alarming rise in disappearances carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It echoes the trauma of authoritarian regimes in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, where thousands had been silenced, disappeared, or displaced. Read our full statement and a list of community resources at the link in our bio.
Apr 3
SEARAC condemns the recent escalation of attacks on immigrant communities and the alarming rise in disappearances carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It echoes the trauma of authoritarian regimes in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, where thousands had been silenced, disappeared, or displaced. Read our full statement and a list of community resources at the link in our bio.