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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Today, our leaders made their mark on Capitol Hill and met with congressional offices to uplift key issues like data disaggregation in education, access to quality healthcare, and the protection of family immigration.
We’re deeply grateful to our partners, sponsors, and the congressional offices who welcomed our SEARAC Leadership and Advocacy Training participants. And to our inspiring cohort: thank you for carrying forward the legacy of Southeast Asian American advocacy and for sharing your gifts with us!
Jul 17
We’ve officially wrapped up Day 2 of SEARAC’s LAT program! Today was a powerful journey through reflection as participants looked back at the history of our Southeast Asian American community, recognizing where we stand today, and envisioning the future we’re working toward.
Our communications team led a workshop on how to create your narrative, followed by a dynamic Advocacy Panel with our incredible partners. We closed out our day with music, movement, and dancing!
Tomorrow, our participants will take their voices to Capitol Hill, meeting with legislators to advocate for policies that directly impact Southeast Asian American communities. We couldn’t be more proud of the strength, courage, and collective power they’ve built. #LAT2026
Jul 16
SEARAC LAT Day 1 ✅
Today marked the kickoff of #LAT2026! We welcomed our incredible cohort of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) advocates and allies to Washington, DC for a journey rooted in our community`s history and refugee resilience.
Participants reflected on their "why" for joining this 3-day training, then dove into their issue tracks. We unpacked critical issues facing SEAA communities today, including the fight to count AANHPI communities in education data through the All Students Count Act. Join us in the fight for data that truly reflects the SEAA experience. Add your voice at bit.ly/ASCAct2026 or at the link in our bio.
Follow along @SEARAC all week for more from #LAT2026!
Jul 15
Get @reshare_app • @seaajourneys_doc Meet us at the 15th annual BlackStar Film Festival this August in Philadelphia! @blackstarfest is celebrating this milestone with a powerful program of films from Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists, panels, and of course, parties.
𝗠𝗨𝗢𝗭-𝗗𝗢𝗜𝗖 𝗠𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗔𝗣𝗘 screens in the shorts program AUTOSCOPY
📅 August 7, 2026 at 11:30am
📍Philadelphia at the Kimmel Center
blackstarprojects.org/festival
#CinemaForLiberation #BSFF26
Jul 10
Last month, Jenna McDavid, SEARAC Director of Development, wrote a blog reflecting on her 10-week sabbatical and the opportunities and challenges that came with it.
Jenna shares, “And yet, despite the much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge, I struggled with sabbatical! I found it surprisingly hard to not work, especially when it has been more than 25 years since I didn’t have a job. It took me weeks to really let go.”
Read Jenna`s blog at the link in our bio!
Jul 8
