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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Latest related posts
We celebrate the introduction of a national resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian American resettlement. Our stories have shaped this nation for five decades and Southeast Asian American voices deserve to be honored, heard, and uplifted.
Stand with us as we commemorate 50 years of strength and community power by signing onto SEARAC’s open letter at bit.ly/seaa50resolution.
Dec 24
In 2025, we celebrated the Southeast Asian American community’s power by commemorating the introduction of a national resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement.
This national resolution led by SEARAC recognizes not just our past, but the powerful future we are building together, and we need your help to ensure it passes. Take action by visiting bit.ly/seaa50resolution and urge your Congressional representatives to move the resolution forward.
Dec 23
SEARAC`s team will be taking time off to rest and reset. Thank you for a powerful year of commemorating 50 years of Southeast Asian American power with us.
Dec 22
Congress has refused to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits and is abandoning its responsibility to the public it serves. Read SEARAC`s full response.
Dec 20
On Tuesday, SEARAC proudly commemorated a historic 50th year of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement during a virtual event that convened community leaders nationwide in celebration of the recently introduced Southeast Asian American 50th year anniversary resolution. Thank you to @pivotorg, @seafnofficial , @thecambodianfamily, @legaciesofwar for joining us!
The gathering marked both a celebration and a call to action
SEARAC extends gratitude to Rep. Tran and Sen. Hirono for championing this resolution and urges all members of Congress to stand with Southeast Asian American communities as we continue to advance equity, belonging, and opportunity for all.
You can support this historic moment by urging Congressional leadership to adopt this resolution at bit.ly/seaa50resolution
Dec 19
